WC powder at RMB 700–720/kg as tungsten prices pause their decline. Review the October 22 references, six-day comparison and checks for carbide tool quotations.
The tungsten carbide price trend in China showed tentative stabilization on October 22, 2026. Chinatungsten Online reported WC powder around RMB 700–720/kg, while its accompanying table listed RMB 710/kg for 99.8% WC powder with a 2–10 μm particle specification. This update compares the new reference with October 16 and explains what procurement teams should verify before refreshing carbide drill, end mill or blank quotations.
Tungsten carbide price per kg: October 22 market reference
| Material / specification | Source narrative | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Tungsten carbide powder (WC) | 700–720 | RMB/kg |
| Tungsten powder | 720–750 | RMB/kg |
| 55% tungsten concentrate | 300,000–320,000 | RMB/standard ton |
| Ammonium paratungstate (APT) | 460,000–500,000 | RMB/metric ton |
| Scrap tungsten carbide rods | Around 565 | RMB/kg |
Ranges and scrap indication from the October 22 source narrative. A standard ton and a physical metric ton are different quotation bases.
The table gives individual indications: WC powder RMB 710/kg, tungsten powder RMB 740/kg and APT RMB 480,000/ton. It also lists cobalt powder at RMB 300/kg, 70% ferrotungsten at RMB 510,000/ton and scrap carbide blades at RMB 452/kg. Keep the table’s RMB 555/kg scrap rod indication separate from the narrative’s approximately RMB 565/kg. These references are not a universal transaction price; confirm specification, taxes, freight, delivery location and quote validity with the supplier.
October 16 vs. October 22: a modest WC rebound, a larger scrap move
| Matching image specification | October 16 | October 22 | Calculated change |
|---|---|---|---|
| WC powder, 99.8%, 2–10 μm | 700 RMB/kg | 710 RMB/kg | +10 RMB/kg (+1.4%) |
| Tungsten powder, 99.9%, 2–10 μm | 730 RMB/kg | 740 RMB/kg | +10 RMB/kg (+1.4%) |
| APT, 88.5% WO₃ | 460,000 RMB/ton | 480,000 RMB/ton | +20,000 RMB/ton (+4.3%) |
| Cobalt powder, 99.5%, 1.0–1.5 μm | 340 RMB/kg | 300 RMB/kg | −40 RMB/kg (−11.8%) |
| Scrap carbide rods | 475 RMB/kg | 555 RMB/kg | +80 RMB/kg (+16.8%) |
KYTOOLS calculations from matching entries in the October 16 and October 22 source tables: (new ÷ old − 1) × 100, rounded to one decimal. Six calendar days; not a weekly index. Scrap comparison uses the two table indications, not the October 22 narrative figure.
The comparison shows why one broad “tungsten price increase” is not enough for a purchasing decision. The WC table indication rose modestly, while the scrap rod indication moved more sharply and cobalt moved lower. The source image’s arrows and dashes do not specify a comparison period; they should not be substituted for the explicit six-day calculation above.
Why tungsten prices are stabilizing without a confirmed recovery
The report describes firmer seller expectations and cautious buyers. KYTOOLS interpretation: fewer low-priced offers can lift asking prices before downstream purchasing volumes recover. That makes quote availability and actual delivery commitments useful checks alongside the published reference. One dated update cannot establish a lasting market bottom or guarantee a further increase.
What the January–October tungsten chart actually tracks
The original chart plots 65% wolframite concentrate, APT and tungsten powder. It shows the March surge, the subsequent retreat and the latest movement through October 22. It does not plot tungsten carbide powder. Use the matching WC entries in the two price tables for the six-day WC comparison, and keep concentrate standard-ton quotations separate from physical-ton quotations.
How WC, cobalt and scrap prices affect carbide tool quotations
A powder-market rebound does not set a finished-tool selling price. WC and cobalt content vary by carbide grade, and suppliers may be producing from previously purchased blanks. Grinding time, geometry, coating, inspection, order quantity and lead time also influence a drill or end mill quotation. Scrap prices refer to recoverable material and cannot be treated as the cost of new rods or precision tools.
- Request the same carbide grade, diameter, cutting length, geometry and coating when refreshing offers.
- Ask whether delivery uses stocked blanks or new production, and obtain a quote-validity date.
- Align tax, freight, currency, inspection, payment and delivery terms before comparing suppliers.
- Send the work material, trial quantity and annual demand; assess cost per accepted part alongside unit price.
Tungsten carbide price FAQ
What was the WC powder price on October 22, 2026?
The source narrative gives RMB 700–720/kg. Its table lists RMB 710/kg for 99.8% WC powder, 2–10 μm. The range and individual indication are dated market references, not current executable offers.
Did tungsten carbide rise 16.8% from October 16?
The 16.8% calculation applies to scrap carbide rods in the two tables. The matching WC powder indication rose from RMB 700/kg to RMB 710/kg, approximately 1.4%. Mixing scrap and powder would misstate the change.
Should carbide tool buyers assume prices will keep rising?
The report does not establish that outcome. Obtain quotations for confirmed production needs and review availability, delivery and tool performance before changing an order schedule.
Carbide tooling for a specification-based enquiry
Source reports and tungsten price history
Source of the current market references and both original images. Comparisons and tooling commentary are KYTOOLS analysis.
Source of the earlier image indications used in the six-day comparison.
Review the preceding market decline and powder-price reference.
Earlier context for WC powder, APT and tool purchasing.
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