【Graphite Electrode】2023 Import and Export Market Review

      （1）China's Graphite Electrode Imports

      In 2023, the import volume of graphite electrodes in China reached 1,170.474 tons, a 92.81% increase compared to 2022. The easing of the domestic and international epidemic situation contributed to increased global trade, leading to a rise in graphite electrode imports.

      （2）China's Graphite Electrode Exports

      The total export volume of graphite electrodes from China in 2023 was 330,500 tons, a decrease of 11,400 tons compared to 2022, down 3.34% year-on-year. With the relaxation of the epidemic in 2023, the overall high inventory in the Chinese graphite electrode market intensified competition, resulting in a continuous decline in graphite electrode prices. Simultaneously, the decrease in the operating rates and capacity utilization of blast furnaces and electric arc furnaces domestically and internationally led to a relief in demand, further reducing export volumes.

      From January to October 2023, the top three countries for Chinese graphite electrode exports were South Korea, Russia, and Tajikistan. South Korea exported 28,268.308 tons, accounting for 10.28% of the total export volume from January to October. Russia exported 28,159.137 tons, representing 10.24% of the total export volume, and Tajikistan exported 15,463.615 tons, making up 5.62% of the total export volume during the same period. The top ten exporting countries accounted for 53.98% of the total export volume from January to October. Domestic graphite electrode export volumes decreased year-on-year, indicating a challenging overall outlook. For more market analysis of graphite electrodes, feel free to further communicate with us.