Press Releases 2005 | SGL CARBON GROUP


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	Press Releases

January 14, 2005

SGL Carbon increases Graphite Electrode prices

Wiesbaden, January 14, 2005. SGL Carbon announces today new prices for its Graphite Electrodes effective January 15, 2005 for all new businesses in (the last price announcement of September 28, 2004 was binding until January 14, 2005):

Americas, Asia (excluding China*), Near Middle East and Africa:

	For regular-sized Graphite Electrodes:	1,66 US$/lb (3650 U$/mt)
	For extra-sized Graphite Electrodes:	1,82 US$/lb (4000 U$/mt)

Europe:

	For regular-sized Graphite Electrodes:	2730 €/mt
	For extra-sized Graphite Electrodes:	3000 €/mt

	Regular sized is defined as:	Diameter 12” (300mm) – 24” (600 mm)
	Extra sized is defined as:	Diameter 26” (650mm) – 30” (750 mm)

These prices will be applicable for all orders received by June 3, 2005 and for shipments effected prior to December 31, 2005.

The steel industry continues to operate at record levels globally resulting in a continuing strong demand for high performing graphite electrodes. For the year 2005 SGL Carbon is almost fully booked with firm orders for graphite electrodes. Consequently the strong demand for graphite electrodes has generated a strong demand for needle coke, the primary raw material for the manufacture of high power graphite electrodes. SGL has contracted sufficient quantities of needle coke to meet the demand in 2005, including contingencies.

The combination of continuing pressure on our manufacturing facilities, increased prices of all raw materials and energy as well as higher operating expenses, significant higher logistic costs and the impact of the volatile exchange rates has resulted in higher cost for our graphite electrodes which makes further adjustments of our electrodes prices unavoidable.

Forward-looking statements:
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements reflect the current belief of SGL Carbon’s management as well as assumptions made by, and information available to, the SGL Group. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual future results and devel-opments could differ materially from those set forth in these statements due to various factors. These factors include changes in the general economic and competitive situation, particularly in SGL Carbon’s businesses and markets; changes resulting from acquisitions and the subsequent integration of companies; and changes resulting from restructuring measures. In addition, future results and developments could be affected by the performance of financial markets; fluctuations in exchange rates; changes in national and supranational law, particularly with regard to tax regulations; and other risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in SGL Carbon’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. SGL Carbon assumes no obligation to update forwardlooking statements.