China: Graphite Market 2024

Graphite Market Size in China

In 2021, the Chinese graphite market decreased by -9.2% to $X, falling for the second consecutive year after two years of growth. Overall, consumption showed a noticeable downturn. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Graphite Production in China

In value terms, graphite production contracted to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when the production volume increased by 47%. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $X in 2020, and then contracted in the following year.

Graphite Exports

Exports from China

In 2021, overseas shipments of graphite (natural) were finally on the rise to reach X tons after two years of decline. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 37%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, graphite exports fell modestly to $X in 2021. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +1.5% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when exports increased by 31%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Japan (X tons) was the main destination for graphite exports from China, with a 41% share of total exports. Moreover, graphite exports to Japan exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, South Korea (X tons), twofold. The United States (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 7.5% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Japan stood at +3.3%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: South Korea (+7.4% per year) and the United States (+2.7% per year).

In value terms, South Korea ($X), Japan ($X) and the United States ($X) were the largest markets for graphite exported from China worldwide, together comprising 77% of total exports.

Among the main countries of destination, the United States, with a CAGR of +5.8%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average graphite export price amounted to $X per ton, declining by -15.6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when the average export price increased by 28%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2020, and then fell rapidly in the following year.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was South Korea ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to the Philippines ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to the Philippines (+11.2%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Graphite Imports

Imports into China

In 2021, approx. X tons of graphite (natural) were imported into China; rising by 96% compared with the year before. Over the period under review, imports enjoyed a modest increase. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, graphite imports surged to $X in 2021. Overall, imports posted notable growth. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Madagascar (X tons), Mozambique (X tons) and Japan (X tons) were the main suppliers of graphite imports to China, together comprising 95% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Madagascar (with a CAGR of +73.8%), while imports for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, the largest graphite suppliers to China were Madagascar ($X), Mozambique ($X) and Japan ($X), with a combined 84% share of total imports.

In terms of the main suppliers, Madagascar, with a CAGR of +114.5%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average graphite import price amounted to $X per ton, growing by 14% against the previous year. In general, the import price posted a tangible expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 an increase of 51%. The import price peaked in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was the United States ($X per ton), while the price for Mozambique ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+45.0%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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