Market Intelligence Report on Coal-Based Granular Activated Carbon – Recent Commodity Market Dynamics

I. Market Price Dynamics
- Henan Region Quotations:
- Henan Sentie Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd.:
Coal-based granular activated carbon with iodine number 1000: RMB 7,900 per metric ton.
Coal-based granular activated carbon with iodine number 600: RMB 8,900 per metric ton.
Regenerated carbon (iodine number 200–800; moisture content 5–20%; particle size 2–20 mesh): RMB 4,500 per metric ton.
- Henan Shunzhibang Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd.:
Virgin coal-based activated carbon (iodine number 900): RMB 5,200 per metric ton.
- Henan Huiyihai Water Treatment Materials Co., Ltd.:
Coal-based granular activated carbon: RMB 2,300 per metric ton.
- Henan Kaijie Water Treatment Co., Ltd. (Historical Reference Data):
Coal-based granular activated carbon with iodine number 1000: previously quoted at RMB 7,000 per metric ton.
Coal-based granular activated carbon with iodine number 950: previously quoted at RMB 4,000 per metric ton.
Coal-based granular activated carbon with iodine number 600: previously quoted at RMB 9,200 per metric ton.
Regenerated carbon (iodine number 200–800; moisture content 5–20%; particle size 2–20 mesh): previously quoted at RMB 8,000 per metric ton.

II. Supply-Demand Situation
- Supply Side:
Leading enterprises—such as Henan ShenHua Activated Carbon Co., Ltd.—possess large-scale production capabilities and can supply high-quality coal-based granular activated carbon stably to meet demands from major projects and continuous procurement requirements.
Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face increasing pressure due to stricter environmental inspections and higher customer certification thresholds, prompting accelerated capacity rationalization; the overall supply structure is gradually optimizing.
- Demand Side:
Demand in water treatment continues to grow steadily, driven by municipal water supply infrastructure investment, industrial wastewater advanced treatment, and rural drinking water security programs.
Demand remains stable in air purification, VOCs abatement, and chemical catalysis sectors, with growing demand for high-performance and customized coal-based granular activated carbon products.

III. Competitive Landscape
- Dominance of Leading Enterprises:
Henan ShenHua Activated Carbon Co., Ltd. holds a leading market position, supported by end-to-end quality control, large-scale manufacturing capacity, and deep technical service capabilities.
Ningxia Baofeng Energy Group and Shanxi Xinhua Chemical Co., Ltd. have consolidated their market standing through capacity expansion, technological upgrading, and brand building.
- Intense Competition among SMEs:
SMEs compete aggressively via product differentiation, cost optimization, and regional market penetration.
Some SMEs enhance competitiveness by offering value-added services such as regeneration solutions and customized product development.

IV. Key Market Drivers
- Environmental Policy Impetus:
Implementation of national policies—including the Action Plan on Prevention and Control of Air Pollution and the Action Plan on Prevention and Control of Water Pollution—has broadened applications of coal-based granular activated carbon in exhaust gas treatment and water purification.
Stricter environmental supervision and elevated customer certification standards are driving supply-side structural optimization and product quality enhancement.
- Growing Market Demand:
Municipal water supply infrastructure investment, industrial wastewater advanced treatment, and rural drinking water security projects continue to drive demand growth for coal-based granular activated carbon.
Stable demand growth persists in air purification, VOCs abatement, and chemical catalysis sectors.
- Technological Advancement and Cost Optimization:
Continuous evolution of coal-based granular activated carbon manufacturing processes has improved product performance while reducing production costs.
Adoption of intelligent manufacturing and digital transformation in production processes enhances operational efficiency and product quality consistency.

V. Market Analysis and Outlook
- Short-Term Market Trend:
Coal-based granular activated carbon prices are expected to remain stable in the near term. Prices offered by leading enterprises may stay at relatively high levels, while SMEs will strive for market share through cost control and differentiated strategies.
Overall demand is projected to sustain growth—especially in water treatment, air purification, and VOCs abatement—further stimulating procurement volumes.
- Long-Term Market Trends:
With continued enforcement of environmental policies and expanding demand, the overall market size for coal-based granular activated carbon is expected to expand further.
Technological progress will drive continuous improvement in product performance and cost efficiency; high-performance and customized coal-based granular activated carbon products are anticipated to become mainstream.
Leading enterprises will reinforce their market leadership through capacity expansion, technological innovation, and brand development; SMEs will seek market share via differentiation and value-added services.
The regenerated carbon service market is expected to emerge progressively, helping customers reduce end-of-life disposal costs and associated environmental risks.