Graphite Procurement Intelligence Report, 2023 - 2030 (Revenue Forecast, Supplier Ranking & Matrix, Emerging Technologies, Pricing Models, Cost Structure, Engagement & Operating Model, Competitive Landscape)

Graphite Category Overview

The global graphite category is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.37% from 2023 to 2030. It is being driven significantly by the rising utilization of graphite in the manufacturing of structural composite parts for aircraft, increased usage in the wind energy sector, and increasing demand for fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries. Natural graphite holds a sizable portion of the global market share because of its affordability, minimal friction, and performance. In addition, due to its properties, natural graphite has a wider utilization in industries, such as the production of lubricants, brake lining, steel, batteries, refractories, etc. Development of these sectors will lead to increased demand for natural graphite, which in turn will fuel the growth of global graphite category.

New applications for graphite are being found because of ongoing research and development. The development of graphene, a two-dimensional version of graphite, has created new opportunities for energy storage, electronics, improved materials, and other applications, which has fuelled the growth of global graphite category. In addition, mobile electric generators that run on air-extracted hydrogen may be made using graphene. Despite being impervious to even the tiniest of atoms, graphene can be used to sift hydrogen atoms that have been robbed of their electrons. Furthermore, graphene films could be employed to significantly increase their effectiveness because proton-conducting membranes are crucial parts of fuel-cell technology.

The category for graphite is moderately fragmented and competitive, with major firms employing a range of tactics to increase their market share in this industry, including the introduction of new products, product extensions, acquisitions, collaborations, joint ventures, alliances, etc. The cost and intended application of their products are what drives most of the players in the industry. In addition, key players in the industry are launching variety of focused products and expanding their geographic reach in an effort to increase their market share and global presence, in order to support brand and sales. The supply chain of graphite comprises several entities such as the suppliers, the processors, and the miners.

Labor cost, transportation, equipment, and warehouse costs are the major key cost components of this category. Players in the category, generally use a cost-plus pricing model wherein the total price is determined after adding a markup on labor and transportation. A graphite concentrate (90% - 95% total graphitic carbon) is sized and filtered into different mesh sizes such as small/fine flake, medium flake, big flake, and jumbo flake. The cost of flake is then calculated depending on a number of variables, including flake size, impurity levels, and graphite concentration. A greater purity (94% or higher carbon content) and coarser large flakes and XL flakes are typically more expensive. In North America, the prices of graphite start from USD 499 per tonne for finer flakes, whereas it goes as high as over USD 2,299 for XXL size.

The global industry is dominated by the Asia-Pacific region as it is the highest consumer of graphite. China dominates the global graphite market in terms of consumption and production, largely because of the enormous demand from quickly expanding industries like solar, steel production, electronics, lithium-ion battery manufacture, and the nuclear industry. In addition, India is witnessing increased production of steel due to rising demand from infrastructure and automotive sectors, and steel production requires graphite electrodes as a crucial part of the manufacturing process. Therefore, the region’s market is anticipated to witness steady growth during the forecasted timeframe. Furthermore, thorough assessment to check whether the supplier meets the operational requirements (i.e. years of service, geographical service provision, end-user industries, etc.) and functional capabilities (i.e. type of graphite, packaging options, lead time, etc.), evaluating the purpose and the type of graphite required for application (i.e. flake, amorphous, crystalline vein), and negotiating prices & terms with suppliers are some of the best sourcing practices considered in this category.

Graphite Procurement Intelligence Report Scope