WC powder at RMB 820–840/kg and APT at RMB 570,000–580,000/t: September 24 tungsten market update and implications for carbide drill and end mill quotations.
Tungsten carbide powder was quoted around RMB 820–840/kg on September 24, 2026, according to Chinatungsten Online. Its market report describes softer Chinese tungsten prices, weak pre-holiday purchasing and cautious replenishment by cemented carbide producers. For drill and end mill buyers, this is a raw-material reference—not a finished-tool selling price.
September 24 tungsten product price reference
| Product / grade | Reported price (RMB) | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| 55% tungsten concentrate | 375,000–395,000 | standard ton |
| Ammonium paratungstate (APT) | 570,000–580,000 | ton |
| Tungsten powder | 850–880 | kg |
| Tungsten carbide powder (WC) | approx. 820–840 | kg |
| Cobalt powder | approx. 390 | kg |
| 70% ferrotungsten | approx. 600,000 | ton |
| Tungsten waste and scrap | No numeric quote reported | — |
Why tungsten prices softened before the holidays
Chinatungsten Online attributes the decline to weaker-than-expected pre-holiday demand and cash-flow pressure that encouraged some holders to discount spot material. More concentrate became available, but demand remained subdued. APT producers faced squeezed margins, with many offline for maintenance; transactions were reported mainly near the lower end of the RMB 570,000–580,000/ton range. Participants were watching replenishment after the National Day holiday rather than treating a rebound as certain.
WC powder, cobalt and scrap: what buyers should watch
The report places tungsten powder at RMB 850–880/kg and WC powder at RMB 820–840/kg amid low operating rates and delayed orders. Carbide producers largely bought against immediate orders. Cobalt powder was around RMB 390/kg, while 70% ferrotungsten moved back to about RMB 600,000/ton. Scrap negotiations found some support after disorderly declines, but remained cautious; the article provides no numeric scrap quotation.
Does cheaper powder mean cheaper carbide tools?
KYTOOLS procurement perspective: a lower WC powder indication can be a reason to refresh a quotation, but it does not establish a matching reduction in drill or end mill prices. Finished-tool quotations also reflect the specified carbide grade, blank dimensions, geometry, grinding, coating, inspection and order quantity. Existing stock and replenishment timing can differ between suppliers. Compare the same specification and delivery terms before drawing a cost conclusion.
- Ask for quote validity, available stock and delivery schedule alongside unit price.
- Keep diameter, carbide grade, flute geometry, coating and inspection requirements constant when comparing offers.
- Separate a sample order from annual-volume pricing, and give suppliers your delivery schedule.
- Evaluate tool cost per accepted part alongside purchase price; lower raw-material prices do not establish cutting performance.
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