The Tungsten Carbide Price Trend in China moved strongly higher during Q2 2026, with export prices increasing by around 11.81%. The rise was supported by strong manufacturing demand, tight tungsten powder availability, higher feedstock costs, and tighter export controls
China’s Dual-Use Items Catalog export controls affected international supply flows during April and May, while domestic cutting tool and mining equipment manufacturers continued to consume cemented carbide at a healthy rate. These factors kept Tungsten Carbide Prices firm through much of the period.
Tungsten carbide is widely used in cutting tools, mining equipment, wear-resistant components, and other industrial applications. Its production depends heavily on tungsten-based feedstocks such as APT and tungsten powder.
When the availability or cost of these materials changes, the impact can eventually reach tungsten carbide prices. During Q2 2026, this relationship became particularly visible as supply constraints and strong industrial demand developed at the same time.
The Chinese tungsten carbide market experienced significant movement during Q2 2026. Export prices for Tungsten Carbide FOB Shanghai, with a purity of 99.8% minimum, increased by approximately 11.81%.
The increase reflected a combination of strong demand and restricted supply. Domestic manufacturers of cutting tools and mining equipment continued to purchase cemented carbide, keeping consumption at a healthy level.
At the same time, the supply of tungsten powder remained constrained. Higher costs for APT and tungsten powder created additional pressure on producers and supported higher price levels.
The market also faced tighter production conditions because of environmental inspections at sintering facilities. These inspections limited the ability of some producers to expand output quickly.
As a result, the Tungsten Carbide Price Trend in China remained firm through April and May.
Several factors contributed to the increase in Tungsten Carbide Prices during Q2.
One of the most important factors was China's Dual-Use Items Catalog export controls. These controls affected international supply flows during April and May and increased uncertainty among market participants.
When export conditions become tighter, international buyers can become more concerned about future availability. This can encourage earlier purchasing and increase competition for available material.
The domestic Chinese market also remained active. Cutting tool and mining equipment manufacturers continued to consume cemented carbide at a robust rate. These industries depend on tungsten carbide for applications where high hardness and wear resistance are important.
Strong consumption provided demand-side support at a time when raw material availability was already under pressure.
Tungsten carbide prices are closely connected with the cost of the materials used to produce them. During Q2 2026, APT and tungsten powder costs increased as mine supply remained constrained.
Higher feedstock costs can raise the cost of producing tungsten carbide. Producers may therefore become less willing to offer material at lower prices, especially when demand is also firm.
This helped establish a stronger price floor in the Chinese market.