【Graphite】2023 Review of China's Graphite Production, 

Demand, and Market Size

China is a major producer and holder of natural graphite reserves, with Heilongjiang Province being the largest flake graphite producing area, followed by Inner Mongolia, Sichuan, and Shandong. In recent years, China’s graphite imports have been continuously increasing, especially flake graphite from East Africa. Madagascar and Mozambique account for the largest proportion of China's graphite imports. Natural flake graphite is primarily used in foundry, refractory materials, and as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. In 2022, China's graphite production reached 2.312 million tons, with synthetic graphite production increasing from 79,000 tons in 2016 to 1.151 million tons in 2022, and natural graphite production rising from 739,000 tons in 2016 to 1.161 million tons in 2022. The graphite electrodes produced from needle coke are primarily used for short-process electric arc furnace steelmaking.

Source: GONGYAN Industrial Consulting (GONGYAN Network)

Graphite possesses various physical and chemical properties such as high-temperature resistance, high thermal and electrical conductivity, thermal shock resistance, flame retardancy, high compressive strength, high corrosion resistance, low friction, and self-lubrication. It is mainly used in coatings, powder metallurgy, steelmaking, refractory materials, lubricants, and batteries. It also finds applications in large fuel cells, batteries, and lightweight high-strength composite materials. In 2023, China's graphite demand exceeded 2 million tons.

Source: GONGYAN Industrial Consulting (GONGYAN Network)

The growth structure of graphite consumption is gradually shifting from traditional industries to strategic emerging industries such as new energy vehicles, energy storage, nuclear energy, and electronics, with rapid growth. Graphite’s electrical conductivity is significantly superior to other non-metals, making it the most widely used anode material for lithium-ion batteries. In 2023, the market size of graphite in China was approximately 45.5 billion yuan.

Source: GONGYAN Industrial Consulting (GONGYAN Network)

Feel free to contact us anytime for more information about the graphite market. Our team is dedicated to providing you with in-depth insights and customized assistance based on your needs. Whether you have questions about product specifications, market trends, or pricing, we are here to help.