Graphite Pricing Report

Graphite Prices December 2023

In North America, graphite pellets 94%, -100 mesh CFR Houston exhibit a rising trend over the last 12 months, buying pattern giving an indication of demand. The analysis in depth of quarter dynamics revealed complex pricing disparities between the Monday trade and the Wednesday/Friday trade. This exploration resulted in a quarterly contract FOT Houston in the USA in the North American graphite market at 1164 USD/MT reflecting the intricate factors influencing the market by the end of 2023.

On the other hand, in China, graphite flakes (94%, -100 mesh) FOB Shanghai showed great stability in price during that time last year. Nevertheless, the market proved its resilience with its simple 4% correction from the previous quarter. The inter-quarter dynamics demonstrated in-depth analysis and fairness of pricing in the first and second halves revealed. Comprehensive exploration led to the close sale price of graphite flakes (94%, -100 mesh) FOB Shanghai in China, which recorded to be 864 USD/MT, mirroring the ongoing dominating factors shaping the APAC Graphite market by the end of 2023.

Germany was last among the major markets with graphite flakes (+94%, -100 mesh) (from Hamburg) exhibiting equilibrium during the past year, which showed the strength of the market. The continuous pricing ups and downs from the prior year proved to be a strong point for the market as it adjusted for a stable 4% gain from the last quarter. Whereas the details about inter-quarter dynamics showed more precise discrepancies in pricing between the first and second half. The last winter in it was the quarter-ending price of graphite flakes (94%, -100 mesh) Ex Hamburg in Germany, displayed at 889 USD/MT, consisting of the significance of all factors that affected the development of European graphite market from the third to the fourth quarters of 2023.

Graphite Price Trend, Market Analysis, and News

IMARC’s newly published report, titled Graphite Pricing Report 2024: Price Trend, Chart, Market Analysis, News, Demand, Historical and Forecast Data, offers an in-depth analysis of graphite pricing, covering an analysis of global and regional market trends and the critical factors driving these price movements.

It encompasses an in-depth review of spot prices at major ports, a breakdown of prices including Ex Works, FOB, and CIF, alongside a region-wise dissection of price trends across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

The report examines the elements influencing graphite price fluctuations, such as changes in raw material costs, supply-demand dynamics, geopolitical factors, and industry-specific developments. Additionally, it integrates the latest market news, providing stakeholders with up-to-date information on market shifts, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, thereby offering a comprehensive overview that aids in strategic decision-making and forecasting.

Graphite Market Analysis

The global graphite market size reached US$ 25.2 Billion in 2023. By 2032, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 46.2 Billion, at a projected CAGR of 7% during 2023-2032.

• The graphite market experiences great growth with the ongoing swift development of EV sector. As per the International Council of Clean Transportation, EV sales accounted for about 125,000 in Q1 of 2021 and increased by 185,000 in Q4 of 2021 and about 300,000 in Q1 of 2023 that grew by 375,000 in Q3 of 2023. With unbelievable strides in this area, graphene materials see the largest increase, largely focused on lithium-ion batteries that power electric cars. The global governments have been tightening emission regulations and providing incentives for EV turnout, and in the future the market for electric vehicles is right for significant boost. As a result, the consumption of graphite will increase substantially.
• Graphite, which is used extensively in wind energy turbines and solar panels, due to its durability and high strength, plays a pivotal role in renewable energy infrastructure. The International Energy Agency comes with the remarkable news on the over 30% growth in foreign investments in renewable energy. This swell is given rise to by varied areas, which are made up of environmental matters, the government motives, and the technology growth. With the globe getting greener and going for CO2-free forms of energy, the demand for graphite-based materials in renewable energy infrastructure keeps on seeing the ceiling. Graphite possessing vital characteristics, it is used in this industry broadening the market and making it indispensable in the context ofenergy transformation.
• Graphite continues to be an indispensable part of steel and refractory material manufacturers. As per the World Steel Association, the world steel production market has had a 5% yearly rise since last year. The latter is based on several reasons, such as urbanization, construction of amenities and large industries in developing countries. Among the metalworking tools, the graphite electrodes and crucibles are mainly responsible for the operation of the electric arc furnaces. If other steel structures are in demand in the world, the demand for graphite continues to develop gradually. However, the latest developments in steelmaking technologies underscore the role played by graphite beyond all questions strengthening its position for steady growth and its valuable for steel & refractories industries.
• Technological advances, and especially the development of graphene, make the graphite market move forward. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization, the number of patents related to graphite-based innovations has shown a dramatic increase of 50%. Graphene is an amazing single-layer of the graphite which is the source of the revolution everywhere, mainly in the areas of electronics, aerospace, and health care. The complex interplay between technological advancements and material needs underscores the growing demand for graphite as the graphene precursor component. Moreover, the increasing research and development expenditures will fuel the innovations in the graphite market, which will lead to the emergence of new application areas and possibly epand its market outreach.

Graphite News

The report covers the latest developments, updates, and trends impacting the global graphite market, providing stakeholders with timely and relevant information. This segment covers a wide array of news items, including the inauguration of new production facilities, advancements in graphite production technologies, strategic market expansions by key industry players, and significant mergers and acquisitions that shape the industry landscape.

Latest developments in the graphite industry:

• In January 2023, POSCO Chemical started building of its second factory intended for production of synthetic graphite anode material of 10KT per annum. This is a manifestation of the fact that the demand for graphite is increasing, and that the electric automobile sector is developing extensively. With the technological progress in the battery industry and increasing electric car sales, there is a growing demand for battery-grade graphite anode materials. The investment of POSCO Chemical shows they are determined to fulfill this requirement and they play their role as a leader supplier in the graphite market and furthermore they are equipped to meet the evolving requirements of the industries such as renewable energy and automotive.
• In March 2021, SGL Carbon accomplished USD 155.7 million IPCEI grant for its graphite anode product (GAM) that can be used in lithium-ion batteries. The financing of this project by SGL Carbon aims to develop innovative anode materials for electromobility within Europe, making Europe the leader of this technology qualification. With the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) all over the world, the innovation of battery technologies is a vital factor in achieving sustainability and the improvements of vehicle performance. SGL Carbon's effort reinforces Europe's place in the electromobility market and also gives birth to new technological innovation and economic development. The project supports the needs of such investments in renewable energy and research into batteries that will render our future sustainable.

Product Description

Graphite is actually a crystalized form of carbon, which is composed of carbon atoms, which are bonded very tightly, and are arranged into an elaborate pattern of hexagonal layers. Carbon nanotubes are found in nature; but some CNTs can also be manufactured using graphitization of carbon materials through the synthetic process.

Graphite has certain features that make it the most fundamental material in manufacturing. Conductivity of a metal and its high melting point are critical in the production process; these properties make it suitable for using in electric arc furnaces connected to the steelmaking, as a crucible through metallurgy and as a molecular lubricant during operation of machines. It also receives attention from the aerospace and automotive industries in this regard as there is an involvement in making components like those brake calipers and gaskets as carbon is light weighted and strong.

The most important use of graphite in batteries is in lithium-ion type, where it functions as the anode due to its ability to deliver energy promptly but store it efficiently. This role in energy storage is vital in applications as wide as consumer electronics to electric vehicles, boosting the demand for graphite which may also be a big player in a world where renewable sources of energy and electrification are thriving.

Regional Coverage

The report provides a detailed analysis of the graphite market across different regions, each with unique pricing dynamics influenced by localized market conditions, supply chain intricacies, and geopolitical factors. This includes price trends and supply and demand trends for each region, along with spot prices by major ports. The report also provides coverage of ex-works, FOB, and CIF prices, as well as the key factors influencing the price trends. 

Global Graphite Price

The report offers a holistic view of the global graphite pricing trends, reflecting the worldwide interplay of supply-demand balances, international trade policies, and overarching economic factors that shape the market on a macro level.

Europe Graphite Price

In Europe, the Q4 2023 graphite pricing scenario presented very interesting trends that shaped the marketplace environment. The lack of mentioned plants’ shutdowns indicated a resilience of the industry and thus a positive trading environment was created. This stability was underlined by the continuous demand from the key business areas i.e. steel and lithium-ion battery manufacturing. Furthermore, the continual investments in infrastructure and the rise of technological breakthroughs lifted the sentiments in the market as several firms increased their production capabilities. Although clouded with geopolitical uncertainties, Europe remains a strong actor on the world graphite stage due to its environmental leadership and manufacturing progress.

This analysis can be extended to include detailed graphite price information for a comprehensive list of countries.

North America Graphite Price

The graphite market in North America for Q4 2023 was dominated by moving factors that defined the market pattern during that period. The absence of reported plant shutdowns, and the continuity of the industry's operations, was an indicator of the resilience, which created an optimistic outlook. USA being the key country for the regional dynamic, we try to unravel the different elements which are behind the price fluctuations. The analysis is not limited to pricing alone, it explores the critical areas of trends, seasonality, and correlation as it builds a story of the complex market structure that guided the decisions on trade and investment directions during the quarter.

Specific data on graphite prices within the United States and Canada can also be provided.

Middle East and Africa Graphite Price

The report explores the graphite pricing trends in the Middle East and Africa, considering factors like regional industrial growth, the availability of natural resources, and geopolitical tensions that uniquely influence market prices.

In addition to region-wise data, information on graphite prices for countries can also be provided.

Asia Pacific Graphite Price

In the Asia-Pacific region, the graphite price map for Q4 2023 revealed its particularities capturing the complexities of three main factors that determined its outcome. Throughout the quarter no plants were reported to have been shut down. This speaks to the resilience of the factories to remain functional. When the key player of the Chinese graphite market that occupies the world market needs to be noted, the price movements have been carried out that demonstrate the region's control over price movements. On the other hand, technologies and policies related to the environment also serve as drivers of market dynamics whereas it points to the complicated interaction between economic elements as well as regulatory framework as they both contribute to the price of graphite in APAC region.

This analysis can be further extended to include detailed graphite prices for a comprehensive list of countries within the region.

Latin America Graphite Price

The analysis of graphite prices in Latin America provides a detailed overview, reflecting the unique market dynamics in the region influenced by economic policies, industrial growth, and trade frameworks.

This comprehensive review can be extended to include specific countries within the region.

Report Coverage

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report presents a detailed analysis of graphite pricing, covering global and regional trends, spot prices at key ports, and a breakdown of Ex Works, FOB, and CIF prices.
• The study examines factors affecting graphite price volatility, including raw material costs, supply-demand shifts, geopolitical impacts, and industry developments, offering insights for informed decision-making.
• The competitive landscape review equips stakeholders with crucial insights into the latest market news, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, ensuring a well-rounded, strategic overview for forecasting and planning.
• IMARC offers various subscription options, including monthly, quarterly, and biannual updates, allowing clients to stay informed with the latest market trends, ongoing developments, and comprehensive market insights, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the graphite industry.