In 2026, the core raw material market for engraving tools will undergo structural adjustments, with continuous updates in the supply chain, pricing, and technological landscape centered on tungsten carbide and high-speed steel. This will profoundly impact production and quality upgrades in the tool industry. This year, China has tightened export controls on strategic raw materials such as tungsten powder and tungsten carbide, leading to a contraction in overseas imported supplies. The shortage of raw materials has triggered a price surge for high-end Japanese tools, creating a favorable window for domestic cemented carbide tools to gain market share.  On the price front, after an earlier correction, tungsten carbide powder has stabilized, with limited room for further declines. Domestic tool manufacturers, leveraging low inventory and restocking advantages, continue to maintain cost competitiveness. 

    In terms of material technology, the industry is accelerating the transition to ultra-fine grain and microcrystalline cemented carbide, driven by soaring demand for high-end materials suited to PCB micro-drills, fine relief carving, and high-hardness stone engraving. This shift gradually reduces reliance on imported premium materials.  Meanwhile, green recycling has emerged as a new industry trend, with the reuse and reprocessing of discarded tungsten steel tools and lightweight upgrades in coating materials becoming increasingly widespread. 

    These measures effectively reduce material waste and production costs.  Overall, the 2026 engraving tool raw material market exhibits four key development trends: price stabilization, technological advancement, domestic substitution, and green production, driving the industry toward higher precision, wear resistance, and cost efficiency.