Latin America and the Caribbean: Graphite Market 2024

Graphite Market Size in Latin America and the Caribbean

For the fifth consecutive year, the Latin American graphite market recorded growth in sales value, which increased by 6.9% to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, consumption recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the market attained the peak level in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Graphite Production in Latin America and the Caribbean

In value terms, graphite production fell slightly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production recorded a mild downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the production volume increased by 16% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Graphite Exports

Exports in Latin America and the Caribbean

In 2021, overseas shipments of graphite (natural) were finally on the rise to reach X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Overall, exports, however, showed a deep reduction. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, graphite exports expanded significantly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, showed a noticeable downturn. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Brazil was the major exporter of graphite (natural) in Latin America and the Caribbean, with the volume of exports amounting to X tons, which was near 89% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Mexico (X tons), making up an 11% share of total exports.

Brazil was also the fastest-growing in terms of the graphite (natural) exports, with a CAGR of -1.6% from 2012 to 2021. Mexico (-21.3%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Brazil increased by +37 percentage points.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) remains the largest graphite supplier in Latin America and the Caribbean, comprising 92% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Mexico ($X), with a 7.9% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Brazil totaled -2.4%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Latin America and the Caribbean amounted to $X per ton, waning by -4.6% against the previous year. Export price indicated a measured expansion from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +4.2% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, graphite export price decreased by -5.3% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 an increase of 78% against the previous year. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2016 to 2021, the export prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Brazil ($X per ton), while Mexico totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Mexico (+13.1%).

Graphite Imports

Imports in Latin America and the Caribbean

In 2021, graphite imports in Latin America and the Caribbean skyrocketed to X tons, picking up by 85% on 2020 figures. Overall, imports posted a buoyant increase. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, graphite imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports posted a prominent expansion. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2021, the Dominican Republic (X tons) represented the major importer of graphite (natural), committing 46% of total imports. Mexico (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total imports with a 21% share, followed by Argentina (10%), Brazil (6.2%) and Colombia (5.6%). Venezuela (X tons) and Paraguay (X tons) held a relatively small share of total imports.

The Dominican Republic was also the fastest-growing in terms of the graphite (natural) imports, with a CAGR of +112.8% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Paraguay (+2.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. Colombia and Mexico experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Argentina (-1.7%), Venezuela (-3.3%) and Brazil (-3.7%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2021, the share of the Dominican Republic increased by +46 percentage points. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the Dominican Republic ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported graphite (natural) in Latin America and the Caribbean, comprising 77% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Mexico ($X), with a 9.8% share of total imports. It was followed by Brazil, with a 3.4% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in the Dominican Republic stood at +128.5%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Mexico (-1.0% per year) and Brazil (-5.2% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Latin America and the Caribbean amounted to $X per ton, surging by 125% against the previous year. Overall, the import price continues to indicate a prominent increase. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was the Dominican Republic ($X per ton), while Venezuela ($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 Dominican Republic (+7.4%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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