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[October 2004]
SGL Carbon Increases Graphite Specialties Prices
SGL Carbon AG announced increases to its graphite specialties prices globally, effective 1 October 2004. A 5% increase for extruded graphite and a 7.5% increase for isostatic graphite were confirmed. SGL said that the price increases were the result of increased demand as well as tightening supplies and significantly higher costs of raw materials and energy.
The increase in demand materialised mainly in the semiconductor industries in the USA and Asia. Due to the weak demand and results of the industries in previous years, the graphite industry had reduced capacities and consolidated sites across the world. Inventories were reduced meaning that higher demand cannot be served at short notice.
SGL said that, caused by existing orders and contracts, the announced price increases will have their effect only well into 2005.
ENDS