Prices of tungsten carbide powder have surged then retreated, easing overall production cost pressure.

The price peaked at 2350 RMB per kilogram in Q1, before seeing a sharp decline from April to June, now hovering around 1000 RMB per kilogram with a maximum drop of over 50%.

The previous price inversion situation (raw material price growth outpaced circular saw blade selling price hikes) is gradually improving. Medium and small saw blade manufacturers cut production and destocked inventories earlier, while larger manufacturers purchased raw materials at lower prices, putting them in a clear cost advantage for the second half of the year.