Global Graphite Market Research Report 2023-Competitive Analysis, Status and Outlook by Type, Downstream Industry, and Geography, Forecast to 2029

Global Graphite Market Research Report 2023-Competitive Analysis, Status and Outlook by Type, Downstream Industry, and Geography, Forecast to 2029

Graphite is an occurring mineral form of carbon, consisting of a three-dimensional hexagonal crystal structure. It is a soft, black, lustrous mineral that is highly conductive and has a high melting point. Graphite is commonly used as a lubricant due to its low friction properties, and also as an electrode in batteries and fuel cells due to its ability to conduct electricity. It is also used in the production of steel and other metals, as well as in various industrial applications such as refractory materials, and as a component in various high-performance materials.

Market Overview:

The latest research study on the global Graphite market finds that the global Graphite market reached a value of USD 16597.38 million in 2022. It’s expected that the market will achieve USD 26973.44 million by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.43% during the forecast period.

Trade Restrictions

The graphite market relies heavily on international trade, especially with China. China is one of the major graphite producers and exporters in the world. Trade restrictions such as tariffs or export quotas may disrupt the global supply chain and affect the graphite market. First, COVID-19 caused a sharp decline in global trade. COVID-19's slump in global trade reached its worst level since the international financial crisis in 2008. Anti-epidemic measures such as blockades and restrictions imposed by various countries have greatly affected many economic fields closely related to international trade. Global value chains, manufacturing and supply logistics networks have been impacted, international trade channels have been blocked, a large number of import and export enterprises have been shut down, orders have been cancelled, trade volume has plummeted, and trade prosperity and confidence have continued to slump. In addition, the impact of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict is also affecting the entire global multilateral trading system. At this stage,
geo-security has replaced economic integration as the starting point of many western countries' trade policies, mutual trust between countries has lost, and camp confrontation is looming. Generally speaking, trade restrictions may have a significant impact on the graphite market and its supply chain. Although it is important to solve the trade imbalance and protect domestic industries, we must also consider the wider impact of trade restrictions and seek to promote fair and sustainable trade practices.

Expansion of Graphene Applications

Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, is a fascinating material that has captured the attention of scientists and researchers worldwide. Due to its unique properties, such as high electrical conductivity, strength, and flexibility, graphene has been dubbed a miracle material with potential applications in various industries. One of the main driving factors for the growth of the graphite market is the expansion of graphene applications. Graphene's unique properties make it an attractive material for a wide range of applications, including electronics, energy storage, biomedicine, and water filtration, among others. In the electronics industry, graphene has the potential to revolutionize the design and manufacturing of electronic devices. Graphene's high electrical conductivity makes it an ideal material for creating faster, more efficient electronic circuits, while its flexibility allows for the creation of flexible and bendable devices. In the energy storage industry, graphene is being studied as a potential material for batteries and supercapacitors. Graphene's high surface area and conductivity make it an attractive material for energy storage applications, with the potential for faster charging times and longer battery life. As more applications are discovered for graphene, the demand for graphite is likely to increase as well. Graphene is derived from graphite through a series of chemical processes, and as demand for graphene increases, so too does the demand for graphite as a raw material. This expansion of graphene applications is a significant driving factor for the growth and expansion of the graphite market in the coming years.

Environmental Regulations

Environmental regulations are becoming increasingly stringent, and the graphite mining and processing industry is not immune to this trend. The mining and processing of graphite can have significant environmental impacts, particularly in terms of water and air pollution. As a result, mining and processing companies may face increased costs and operational challenges as they work to meet these regulations. One of the main environmental impacts of graphite mining is water pollution. Mining operations can generate a significant amount of wastewater, which may contain heavy metals and other pollutants. This wastewater must be treated and disposed of properly to prevent contamination of local waterways and ecosystems. Air pollution is another major environmental concern associated with graphite mining and processing. The process of extracting and processing graphite can release particulate matter and other pollutants into the air, which can have negative health impacts on nearby communities. In response to these environmental concerns, governments around the world are implementing more stringent regulations to protect the environment and public health. For example, in the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established regulations governing the disposal of mining waste and limiting the emissions of air pollutants from mining operations.

Region Overview:

North America had the highest growth rate of all regions.

In 2022, the share of the Graphite market in Asia Pacific stood at 79.15%.

Company Overview:

Graftech International Ltd. is one of the major players operating in the Graphite market, holding a share of 7.40% in 2022.

The major players operating in the Graphite market include Graftech International Ltd., BTR New Energy Materials Inc., Resonac Corporation, SGL Carbon and Fangda Carbon, etc. Among which, Graftech International Ltd. ranked top in terms of sales and revenue in 2022.

Graftech International Ltd.

Graftech International Ltd. is a manufactures and provides natural and synthetic graphite and carbon based products and services. The Company offers graphite electrodes, petroleum needle coke, crystalline form of carbon, and energy solutions for manufacture of steel, aluminum, silicon metal, automotive products, and electronics.

BTR New Energy Materials Inc.

BTR New Energy Materials Inc. is a manufacturer of lithium-ion battery materials. The company offers anode material, including natural graphite, artificial graphite, mesophase carbon microspheres and power battery materials and cathode materials which can be applied in new energy vehicle power batteries, consumer electronics batteries and energy storage batteries, enabling clients to improve battery performance.

Segmentation Overview:

Natural Graphite: Natural graphite is a mineral that is found in rocks and can be extracted through mining. It has a layered structure that makes it an excellent conductor of heat and electricity, and it is also resistant to chemical reactions. Natural graphite is commonly used in the production of pencils, lubricants, batteries, and as a reinforcement material in composites.

Synthetic Graphite: Synthetic graphite is made from carbon-based materials such as petroleum coke or coal tar pitch. It is produced through a process called graphitization, which involves heating the material to high temperatures under pressure. Synthetic graphite has a more uniform structure than natural graphite, which makes it a superior conductor of electricity and heat. It is commonly used in applications such as electrodes for electric arc furnaces, anodes for batteries, and in the aerospace industry for its high strength and stiffness.

The Synthetic Graphite segment by type showed a value growth of 8.51% in 2022.

Among different product types, Synthetic Graphite segment is anticipated to contribute the largest market share in 2027.

Application Overview:

Graphite has a wide range of applications across various industries, thanks to its unique properties such as high thermal conductivity, lubricity, electrical conductivity, and chemical resistance. Here are some of the major applications of graphite:

Electrodes: Graphite electrodes are used in electric arc furnaces to melt steel and other metals. They are made from high-quality graphite and are capable of withstanding high temperatures and corrosive environments.

Refractories: Graphite is used as a refractory material due to its high thermal stability and resistance to corrosion. It is used in the production of refractory bricks, linings, and crucibles.

Casting and foundries: Graphite molds are used in casting and foundries due to their high thermal conductivity, which helps in cooling the molten metal faster, reducing the cycle time for casting. Graphite is also used as a release agent in the casting process.

Batteries: Graphite is a major component in lithium-ion batteries, which are used in electric vehicles and other electronic devices. Graphite anodes in these batteries provide high energy storage capacity.

Lubricants: Graphite is used as a dry lubricant due to its low friction coefficient and chemical stability. It is commonly used in high-temperature applications where traditional lubricants may fail.

The Batteries segment by type showed a value growth of 17.67% in 2022.

By application, the Electrodes segment occupied the biggest share from 2018 to 2022.

Key Companies in the global Graphite market covered in Chapter 3:

Mason Graphite, Inc.
Resonac Corporation
Black Rock Mining Limited
Nacional de Grafite
Tokai Carbon Co. Ltd.
Triton Minerals Ltd.
Graftech International Ltd.
Fangda Carbon
NextSource Materials Inc. (Energizer Resources Inc.)
Focus Graphite Inc.
Asbury Carbons
Lianyungang Jinli Carbon Co. Ltd.
Northern Graphite Corp.
BTR New Energy Materials Inc.
Qingdao Black Dragon Graphite Co. Ltd
Imerys Graphite & Carbon
Syrah Resources Limited
SGL Carbon

In Chapter 4 and Chapter 14.2, on the basis of types, the Graphite market from 2018 to 2029 is primarily split into:

Natural Graphite
Synthetic Graphite

In Chapter 5 and Chapter 14.3, on the basis of Downstream Industry, the Graphite market from 2018 to 2029 covers:

Electrodes
Refractories, Casting & Foundries
Batteries
Lubricants
Others

Geographically, the detailed analysis of consumption, revenue, market share and growth rate, historic and forecast (2018-2029) of the following regions are covered in Chapter 8 to Chapter 14:

North America (United States, Canada)
Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Netherlands, Turkey, Switzerland, Sweden)
Asia Pacific (China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia)
Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina)
Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, South Africa)