The core factors influencing the price of coconut shell activated carbon are raw material supply and costs, especially fluctuations in the international market price of coconut shell carbonized materials.

Coconut shells, as the main raw material for coconut shell activated carbon, are highly dependent on Southeast Asian countries (such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand). In recent years, these regions have frequently experienced natural disasters, leading to a decline in coconut production and a persistently tight supply of coconut shell carbonized materials. Data shows that in November 2025, the tax-inclusive factory gate price of imported coconut shell carbonized materials exceeded 1100 uds/ton, a significant increase compared to previous levels. Since China relies on imports for over 95% of its coconut shell activated carbon, the shortage of raw materials directly impacts the price of end products, becoming the most fundamental driving factor.

Other important factors include:

Market demand growth: Demand for coconut shell activated carbon remains stable in traditional fields such as water treatment and air purification, while its application in emerging fields such as sodium-ion battery anode materials is rapidly expanding, further driving up overall demand.

Production and logistics costs: The production process of activated carbon (carbonization, activation, screening) is energy-intensive and complex. Extended sea freight cycles and stricter warehousing and environmental requirements all increase import and production costs.

Product specifications and quality: Products with different iodine values (e.g., high-end specifications with an iodine value of 1000) and uses (e.g., battery grade, food grade) have significant price differences.

In summary, although both demand and cost factors play a role, the scarcity of raw materials and import dependence are currently the most sensitive and core variables affecting the price of coconut shell activated carbon.