In 2025, tungsten prices in China have risen by more than 60%, hitting record highs across wolframite, APT, tungsten powder, and carbide products. This surge, driven by reduced mining quotas, tighter export rules, and strong downstream demand, is reshaping multiple industries. For drilling tool manufacturers, the impact is immediate and far-reaching.
65% Wolframite Concentrate: RMB 233,000/ton (+62.9%)
65% Scheelite Concentrate: RMB 232,000/ton (+63.4%)
Ammonium Paratungstate (APT): RMB 350,000/ton (+65.9%)
Tungsten Powder: RMB 525/kg (+66.1%)
Tungsten Carbide Powder: RMB 510/kg (+64.0%)
Ferrotungsten (70%): RMB 338,000/ton (+57.2%)
Scrap Tungsten Rods: RMB 400/kg (+81.8%)
Tungsten carbide is the backbone of modern drilling technology, but its performance in drilling tools relies on its combination with a metal binder to form cemented carbide (WC-Co), which provides both hardness and toughness.
PDC Bits: Cemented tungsten carbide forms the substrate for PDC cutters and is also used in the bit body, providing the toughness needed to support synthetic diamond layers while resisting fracture.
Tricone Bits & rock: Carbide inserts made from WC-Co ensure excellent wear resistance and impact strength, even in highly abrasive or challenging rock formations.
Wear Parts & Accessories: Stabilizers, nozzles, and other components often use cemented tungsten carbide to withstand extreme loads and maintain durability.
Without a stable tungsten supply, the performance, durability, and cost structure of these drilling tools are directly affected.
At SUBURB TOOLS, we see these challenges not just as risks but also as opportunities to deliver greater value. Since our founding, we have specialized in various PDC drill bits designed for oil & gas, geothermal, mining, and water-well industries.
For the drilling industry, we focus on responding to tungsten price challenges through:
Price & Inventory: We track tungsten market trends closely and maintain strategic reserves of key materials to reduce the impact of sudden price fluctuations.
Reliable Sourcing: Expanding procurement channels and establishing long-term partnerships with core suppliers ensures stable supply of tungsten carbide.
Material Efficiency: Through technical improvements and process optimization, we maximize the efficiency of tungsten carbide use in our PDC drill bits, maintaining performance while controlling costs.
Tungsten prices may remain high and unstable in the short term, but drilling demand will continue to grow worldwide. SUBURB TOOLS is committed to helping clients maintain PDC Bit performance and control costs under these new market realities—ensuring every meter drilled is more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective.
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