Global Graphite Electrode Market - 2023-2030

Market Overview

The Global Graphite Electrode Market reached US$ 8.1 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 13.0 billion by 2030 growing with a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period 2023-2030.

Electric arc furnaces have gained popularity over traditional blast furnaces due to their lower cost, flexibility and reduced environmental impact. EAFs utilize graphite electrodes to generate the heat required for steelmaking. The global steel industry has been witnessing a gradual shift towards EAFs, leading to an increased demand for graphite electrodes.

On December 12, 2022, the first 5.2 Ah 21700 cylindrical lithium-ion cells ever made in India with an energy density of 275 Wh/kg based on silicon anode technology were produced by GODI India, a corporation that received BIS certification to sell lithium-ion cells made with domestically developed technology.

According to market demands, an indigenous development team developed the electrode composition. Due to the higher energy density of silicon compared to graphite, an electric car might have a range up to 15-20% greater on a single charge. Therefore, India accounted for more than 1/4rd of the regional market shares in 2022 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecasted period.

Market Dynamics

Shift Towards Electric Arc Furnaces

The shift towards EAFs is also driven by the phasing out of legacy steelmaking technologies, such as open-hearth furnaces and basic oxygen furnaces (BOFs). These older technologies are being replaced by EAFs due to their outdated and less environmentally friendly nature. Graphite electrodes are not required in BOFs, but they are indispensable for EAFs. Hence, as more steel producers transition from legacy technologies to EAFs, the demand for graphite electrodes grows.

For instance, in Europe, where the steel industry has been actively reducing its carbon footprint, the use of EAFs is increasing while BOFs are being phased out. This transition towards EAFs has resulted in a surge in demand for graphite electrodes in the region.

Growing Demand for Materials to Enhance the Battery Performance

15% Ionisil substitution can result in a lithium-ion battery with 20% more capacity in practical applications, leading to an increase in the number of kilometers that can be driven per charge. This implies that incorporating Ionisil into graphite electrodes can contribute to the advancement of electric vehicles by extending their driving range.

Therefore, the content suggests that the incorporation of Ionisil in graphite electrodes has the potential to drive the global graphite electrode market by offering improved lithium-ion battery performance, increased energy storage capacity and enhanced driving range for electric vehicles, all at a competitive cost.

Volatility in Raw Material Prices

Volatile raw material prices can also impact the availability and supply of key inputs like needle coke. If the prices are highly unpredictable, graphite electrode manufacturers may face challenges in securing a stable and reliable supply of raw materials. This can result in production delays, increased lead times and potential supply shortages, which can hinder the growth of the market.

When raw material prices experience significant fluctuations, graphite electrode manufacturers may face difficulties in setting stable pricing for their products. If the prices of raw materials increase sharply, manufacturers may try to pass on the additional costs to customers by raising the prices of graphite electrodes. However, this can make the electrodes less affordable for end-users, potentially leading to a decline in demand and slower market growth.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The supply-demand dynamics affected by the pandemic, along with uncertainties in the market, led to price volatility in the graphite electrode industry. Prices initially declined due to reduced demand and excess supply. However, as demand recovered and supply chain challenges persisted, prices started to stabilize and, in some cases, even increased. Fluctuating prices posed challenges for both manufacturers and consumers in managing costs and planning their operations.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis

Supply disruptions and uncertainties caused by a war could lead to price volatility in the graphite electrodes market. Fluctuating prices and supply shortages may affect the profitability and planning of industries that heavily rely on graphite electrodes, such as steel, aluminum and electric vehicle manufacturing.

Europe is a significant consumer of graphite electrodes, with several major steel-producing countries located in the region. Any disruptions in the supply of graphite electrodes from Russia or Ukraine could impact European industries and their ability to meet production demands. This may prompt European consumers to explore alternative sources of graphite electrodes from other regions, potentially leading to shifts in market dynamics.

Artificial Intelligence Impact Analysis

AI can accelerate research and development efforts in the graphite electrodes industry. By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI algorithms can identify new materials, optimize electrode designs and improve manufacturing processes, leading to advancements in product performance and durability. AI can play a role in optimizing energy consumption in graphite electrode manufacturing. By analyzing energy usage patterns and identifying opportunities for optimization, AI systems can help reduce energy costs and contribute to sustainable manufacturing practices.

Therefore, AI has the potential to revolutionize the graphite electrodes market in Europe and globally. It enhances demand forecasting, optimizes production processes, improves quality control, streamlines supply chain management, optimizes pricing strategies, accelerates research and development and promotes energy efficiency.

Segment Analysis

The global graphite electrode market is segmented based on type, application and region.

Owing to their Superior and High-Quality Characteristics, the Ultra-High Power (UHP) Dominates the Global Graphite Electrode Market

The UHP graphite electrodes are capable of withstanding extremely high temperatures and can sustain intense electrical currents during the steelmaking process. They exhibit better mechanical strength, higher density and improved electrical conductivity compared to other types of graphite electrodes. As a result, UHP graphite electrodes are preferred for steel production methods that require high-power and efficient performance. Therefore, the ultra-high power (UHP) segment is currently the dominant type of graphite electrode in the global market, driven by its superior properties and suitability for demanding applications like steelmaking in electric arc furnaces. Additionally, high power (HP) is the second largest segment in the global graphite electrode market, acquiring nearly 1/4th of the global segmental share.

Geographical Analysis

North America's Natural Graphite Reserves and Established Manufacturing Infrastructure

North America has a well-developed manufacturing infrastructure, particularly in the United States, which supports the growth of the graphite electrode market. The region has advanced manufacturing facilities, expertise and technologies for graphite electrode production. These established capabilities allow North American manufacturers to produce high-quality graphite electrodes efficiently and meet the demands of various industries, including steel, aluminum and electric vehicles.

The presence of a strong manufacturing infrastructure promotes competitiveness, innovation and cost-effectiveness in the production process. It also enables manufacturers to cater to domestic demand and expand their export capabilities, contributing to market growth. Additionally, the U.S. accounts for more than 3/4th of the regional share and is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecasted period in the region.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players include: GrafTech International, Graphite India Limited, Nippon Carbon Co., Ltd, TOKAI CARBON, HEG LIMITED, Kaifeng Carbon Co., Ltd, JILIN CARBON, SHOWA DENKO K.K., SANGRAF International and Misano Group.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global graphite electrode market segmentation based on type, application and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of graphite electrode market level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as Excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global graphite electrode market report would provide approximately 53 tables, 47 figures and 189 Pages.

Target Audience 2023

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies