Tungsten Carbide Powder Prices
Why Tungsten Carbide Price Is ~$180/kg
Tungsten carbide powder prices have surged to around $180 per kilogram due to tight supply, rising raw material costs, and strong demand from aerospace, automotive, and tooling industries. High-purity, fine-grade powders command premiums, while long-term contracts and strategic stockpiling further drive prices upward. Limited global production, especially in China, combined with increased industrial consumption, has created a market environment where $180/kg reflects current realities for 2026.
Looking ahead, tungsten carbide powder prices are expected to remain elevated through 2026 as supply constraints persist and demand for high-performance tooling grows.
Long-Term Industrial Planning
China’s government and industry groups often plan resource use over decades. This includes controlling production, processing, and allocation to ensure sustainable growth, technological development, and global industrial influence. Exporting large volumes could disrupt these plans.
China is widely recognized as the largest producer of tungsten and tungsten carbide globally, making its resources strategically important for industrial applications worldwide. However, despite the country’s role in global supply chains, there are several reasons why large-scale exports of tungsten carbide may remain limited for decades:
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Domestic Industrial Prioritization
China’s tungsten resources support its own manufacturing and tooling industries. High-value downstream sectors, including cutting tools, wear parts, and high-tech applications, rely on domestic supplies to maintain competitiveness and reduce dependency on foreign markets. -
Resource Nationalism and Strategic Security
Tungsten is classified as a critical and strategic mineral in China. Policies favor retaining raw materials for internal use, ensuring national security, and supporting long-term industrial goals rather than short-term export profits.
