WC powder indications moved toward RMB 700/kg, with transactions also reported below that level. Compare the October 16 update with October 12 and prepare a specification-based tool enquiry.
Tungsten carbide powder prices in China were hovering around RMB 700/kg on October 16, 2026, with the source reporting frequent WC transactions below that level. Chinatungsten Online’s accompanying table lists RMB 700/kg for 99.8% WC powder with a 2–10 μm particle specification. For buyers searching for the tungsten carbide price per kg, these are dated powder-market references; carbide rods, blanks, drills and end mills require separate quotations.
October 16 tungsten carbide and raw-material price reference
| Material / specification | Source narrative | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Tungsten carbide powder (WC) | Around 700; transactions frequently below 700 | RMB/kg |
| Tungsten powder | Around 700 | RMB/kg |
| 55% tungsten concentrate | Below 300,000 | RMB/ton; see unit note |
| Ammonium paratungstate (APT) | 420,000–460,000 | RMB/metric ton |
| Cobalt powder | Around 340 | RMB/kg |
| 70% ferrotungsten | Around 500,000 | RMB/metric ton |
Narrative price references from Chinatungsten Online, October 16, 2026. Powder prices reported per ton are divided by 1,000 to express RMB/kg.
Read the text and image as separate reference formats. The image lists tungsten powder at RMB 730/kg, APT at RMB 460,000/ton and 70% ferrotungsten at RMB 510,000/ton; the narrative describes approximately RMB 700/kg, RMB 420,000–460,000/ton and approximately RMB 500,000/ton respectively. It also lists scrap carbide rods at RMB 475/kg and scrap blades at RMB 430/kg. These values are source indications, not guaranteed executable offers. The concentrate discussion switches between “standard ton” and “ton,” while the image uses RMB/MT; confirm the quotation basis before comparing suppliers. The downward arrows do not identify a comparison period and should not be labeled weekly changes.
October 12 vs. October 16: how much did the reference price change?
| Same image specification | October 12 | October 16 | Calculated change |
|---|---|---|---|
| WC powder, 99.8%, 2–10 μm | 780 RMB/kg | 700 RMB/kg | −80 RMB/kg (−10.3%) |
| Tungsten powder, 99.9%, 2–10 μm | 810 RMB/kg | 730 RMB/kg | −80 RMB/kg (−9.9%) |
| APT, 88.5% WO₃ | 520,000 RMB/ton | 460,000 RMB/ton | −60,000 RMB/ton (−11.5%) |
| Cobalt powder, 99.5%, 1.0–1.5 μm | 350 RMB/kg | 340 RMB/kg | −10 RMB/kg (−2.9%) |
| Scrap carbide rods | 500 RMB/kg | 475 RMB/kg | −25 RMB/kg (−5.0%) |
KYTOOLS calculations using the individual indications in the two source images: (October 16 ÷ October 12 − 1) × 100, rounded to one decimal. This is a four-calendar-day comparison, not a weekly index or a finished-tool price change.
What the 2026 tungsten price chart does—and does not—show
The original trend chart covers 65% wolframite concentrate, APT and tungsten powder. It illustrates a March peak followed by a broad retreat through October 16. It does not contain a WC powder series, so it cannot establish the annual peak-to-current change in tungsten carbide powder. The four-day WC comparison above instead uses the matching powder specifications in the October 12 and October 16 price tables.
Why the tungsten carbide market remains under pressure
The report describes risk-driven selling and buyers placing only immediate-need orders. KYTOOLS interpretation: when purchasers expect lower replenishment costs, they may postpone discretionary stockbuilding, leaving suppliers competing for fewer near-term orders. The source also reports subdued APT trading and low smelter operating rates. Those conditions explain the cautious tone but do not establish when prices will stabilize.
How falling WC and cobalt references affect carbide tool buying
WC powder and cobalt are relevant inputs for many cemented carbide grades, but their spot indications do not determine a complete tool quotation. Existing rod inventory, binder content, carbide grain size, blank dimensions, flute geometry, grinding, coating and inspection all matter. An image-based WC decline of 10.3% over four days does not imply that a drill or end mill should become 10.3% cheaper.
- Refresh the quotation using the same drawing, carbide grade, diameter, cutting length and coating.
- Ask whether the proposed delivery uses stocked blanks or new production, and confirm quote validity.
- Compare the same tax, freight, currency, inspection and payment terms.
- Give the supplier a trial quantity and annual demand forecast, then compare cost per accepted part alongside unit price.
Tungsten carbide price FAQ
Is the October 16 WC powder price exactly RMB 700/kg?
The source table gives a RMB 700/kg indication for a specified powder grade. Its narrative reports prices around that mark and frequent transactions below it. Ask for a grade-specific offer with confirmed commercial terms rather than treating one indication as a universal price.
Does this update confirm a tungsten price bottom?
No confirmed floor can be inferred from this report. For procurement planning, monitor repeat quotations, stock availability and delivery commitments against your actual production needs.
Can powder prices be used as a carbide rod price?
A powder quote excludes the binder formulation, consolidation and sintering, rod tolerances, grinding and inspection needed for a finished blank. Specify the carbide grade, diameter, length and tolerance when requesting rod or tool prices.
Carbide tool specifications for a comparable RFQ
Source reports and earlier price analysis
Source of the new market narrative and both original images; KYTOOLS supplies the calculations and procurement discussion.
Source of the October 12 image indications used in the comparison.
Review the earlier dated market context and material units.
Tags