Global Graphite Electrodes Market Size By Diameter, By Electrode Grade (Ultra-High Power High Power Regular Power ), By Application, By Geographic Scope And Forecast

Graphite Electrodes Market Size And Forecast

Graphite Electrodes Market size was valued at USD 2.3 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 3.2 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.05% from 2026 to 2032.

The major factor driving the growth of the global graphite electrodes market is the rising demand for steel and the rising use of graphite in the production of lithium-ion batteries. The Global Graphite Electrodes Market report provides a holistic evaluation of the market. The report offers a comprehensive analysis of key segments, trends, drivers, restraints, competitive landscape, and factors that are playing a substantial role in the market.

Global Graphite Electrodes Market Definition

The term "graphite electrode" refers to a type of high-temperature resistant graphite conductive material made by using coal pitch as a binder and petroleum coke and pitch coke as the aggregate. Artificial graphite electrodes, also known as graphite electrodes, are distinguished from natural graphite electrodes prepared with natural materials by the following steps: calcination, crushing and grinding, batching, kneading, mixing, and extrusion.

Graphite electrodes are an essential item used in the manufacturing of steel and other metals in electric arc furnaces (EAFs). These electrodes are manufactured from graphite, a crystalline type of carbon with special qualities that make it ideal for this use. Graphite electrodes are critical components of the steelmaking process because they offer the electrical conductivity and heat resistance required for the effective conversion of raw materials into molten metal.

The high electrical conductivity of graphite electrodes is one of their most important properties. Because of its peculiar atomic structure, in which carbon atoms are organized in layers, graphite is a great conductor of 20 electricity. These layers allow electrons to travel freely, allowing for the efficient transmission of electrical current. Graphite electrodes' high conductivity ensures that the electric arc is formed and sustained, giving the heat required for the melting process.

Graphite electrodes are also extremely thermally resistant. When subjected to high temperatures, graphite has a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion, which means it does not considerably expand, distort, or break. This feature is critical for maintaining the electrodes' structural integrity during the steelmaking process. Furthermore, because graphite has a high melting point, it can resist the severe temperatures within the EAF without melting or deteriorating.

Several factors influence the quality and performance of graphite electrodes. The raw material utilized in their manufacture is an essential consideration. Petroleum coke or needle coke, which are carbon-rich materials with low impurity level, are commonly used to make high-quality graphite electrodes. These raw materials are subjected to a sophisticated manufacturing process that includes crushing, calcining, milling, and graphitization, resulting in graphite electrodes with the appropriate qualities.

Global Graphite Electrodes Market Overview

Graphite electrodes are vital components of electric arc furnaces (EAFs) used in steel manufacturing; hence they play an important role in the steel industry. These electrodes are comprised of high-quality graphite materials and are in high demand due to their outstanding electrical conductivity, high melting point, and thermal shock resistance.

The consumption rate of graphite electrodes during steelmaking is a significant factor for steel companies. The strong heat and chemical reactions during the melting process led the electrodes to gradually oxidase and degrade. This is referred to as electrode consumption or electrode wear. The rate of electrode consumption can be influenced by factors like as current density, operating voltage, and raw material composition. Steelmakers closely monitor and regulate electrode usage in order to maximize the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the steelmaking process.

The steel sector is the major user of graphite electrodes, accounting for a sizable market share. The graphite electrodes market has grown steadily in tandem with the rising demand for steel in the construction, automotive, and infrastructure sectors. Furthermore, the rising trend towards lightweight and high-strength steel in a variety of applications has increased demand for graphite electrodes. The graphite electrodes market has consistently developed in unison with expanding steel demand in the construction, automotive, and infrastructure sectors.

Furthermore, the increasing use of lightweight and high-strength steel in a wide range of applications has raised demand for graphite electrodes. The global demand for graphite electrodes is strongly related to the steel industry, since the bulk of these electrodes are utilized in steelmaking. Economic expansion, infrastructural development, and industry activity all have an impact on steel consumption, and hence on graphite electrode demand. The market for graphite electrodes is volatile, with supply and demand swings influencing pricing.

The graphite electrodes market has a bright future, with numerous factors predicted to fuel its growth. The growing usage of electric cars and renewable energy storage systems will drive up demand for steel and, by extension, graphite electrodes. Technological breakthroughs in electrode manufacture, such as the use of improved raw materials and improvements in manufacturing methods, will increase graphite electrode performance and efficiency. Furthermore, continuing research and development operations to investigate alternative materials and methods for electrode manufacturing may affect the market's future environment. However, issues linked to raw material availability and pricing, environmental concerns, and competition from replacement goods such as refractory materials might stymie market expansion.

Global Graphite Electrodes Market Segmentation Analysis

The Global Graphite Electrodes Market is Segmented on the basis of Diameter, Electrode Grade, Application, And Geography.

Graphite Electrodes Market, By Diameter

• Below 200mm

201mm to 400mm

401mm to 600mm

601mm to 800mm

• Above 800mm

Based on Diameter, the 401mm to 600mm segment accounted for the largest market share in 2022. Graphite electrodes with a diameter range of "401mm to 600mm" are frequently used in electric arc furnaces (EAFs) to make steel. It is a flexible line that can meet a variety of steelmaking needs. This diameter segment is appropriate for a variety of steel manufacturing applications because it strikes a balance between power capacity, performance, and cost-effectiveness. The diameter ranges of "401mm to 600mm" allows for flexibility to meet a variety of steel production requirements, including large- and medium-scale steel manufacturing operations. Its commercial domination has been aided by this product's adaptability.

Graphite Electrodes Market, By Electrode Grade

• Ultra-High Power (UHP)
• High Power (SHP)
• Regular Power (RP)

Based on Electrode Grade, the ultra-high power (UHP) segment accounted for the largest market share in 2022. Steel is recycled in the electric arc furnace (EAF) sector utilizing ultra-high power graphite electrodes. Its main component is high-value needle coke, which is produced from either coal tar or oil. They begin with threaded sections at either end and take on a cylindrical shape when finished. These electrodes can be combined into an electrode column by using electrode nipples in this way. In order to meet the demands of lower cost and improved work efficiency, large-capacity ultra-high power arc furnaces are becoming more and more common. As a result, ultra-high power graphite electrodes are projected to dominate the market. During the projected period, the ultra-high-power segment is also anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR.

Graphite Electrodes Market, By Application

• Steel Manufacturing
• Non-steel Applications

Based on Application, the steel manufacturing segment accounted for the largest market share in 2022. The demand for graphite electrodes in the steel industry is influenced by a number of variables, including rising steel production capacity, expanding infrastructure, and the adoption of electric arc furnace technology in various regions of the world. The increasing need for steel in industries like building, transportation, and infrastructure development also plays a role in the steel manufacturing application segment's dominant position in the graphite electrode market. Electrodes made of graphite are a necessary component of electric arc furnaces (EAFs) used to make steel. Due to their superior energy efficiency, economic viability, and environmental benefits, EAFs are preferable to conventional blast furnace-basic oxygen furnace (BF-BOF) technology. By carrying electricity and producing the high temperatures necessary to melt scrap steel and refine it into high quality steel products, graphite electrodes serve a critical function in EAFs.

Graphite Electrodes Market, By Regional Analysis

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
• On the basis of regional analysis, the global Graphite Electrodes market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. Asia Pacific accounted for the largest market share in 2022 for the Graphite Electrodes market. The expansion of the steel sector in nations like China and India has been attributed to the region's prosperity. Graphite electrodes are an essential component of the steel-making process. The electric arc furnaces are used to smelt down scrap metal and create new steel, they are the main source of heat. The aforementioned countries' quick infrastructure growth is driving up the need for steel, which will ultimately drive market growth throughout the projection period.
• The market for graphite electrodes in North America has profited from developments in the production of graphite electrodes. These developments have raised the caliber and effectiveness of graphite electrodes, increased their durability and efficacy, and led to a rise in their use in the region. Major producers of graphite electrodes have been investing in North America to meet the rising demand. These investments, which further assist market expansion, include production facility upgrades, capacity increases, and R&D initiatives.

Key Players

• The major players in the market are HEG Limited, Resonac Holdings Corporation, SANGRAF International, SEC CARBON, LIMITED, Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd, Jilin Carbon Co., Ltd. (ZHONGZE GROUP), Dan Carbon, El 6, Fangda Carbon New Material Co., Ltd, Graphite India Limited, GrafTech International, Nantong Yangzi Carbon Co., Ltd, and Nippon Carbon Co Ltd are few major companies operating in the Graphite Electrodes market.

Key Developments

• In April 2023, GrafTech International, a well-known producer of premium graphite electrode products necessary for the production of steel produced in electric arc furnaces, has announced a new sales office in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
• In August 2022, Showa Denko, a wholly owned subsidiary of Resonac, has signed a simplified absorption-type company split agreement for the graphite electrode business. Resonac, the newly consolidated firm, started operations on January 1, 2023, and would function as a holding company.
• In April 2022, Carbone Savoie International SAS, a French carbon and graphite company, has been acquired by Tokai Carbon and its subsidiary Tokai Cobex for USD 183 million.
• In April 2021, Nantong Yangtze Carbon Co., Ltd. has established an annual manufacturing capacity of 60,000-100,000 tons of ultra-high power graphite electrodes through the acquisition and holding of Xufeng Carbon Technology Co., Ltd.
• In July 2021, the launch of a new sales office in Chiba-shi, Japan, was announced by GrafTech International. Customers of GrafTech in the area will be able to get local commercial, customer service, and technical support through this new location. This facility also increases the company's technical support and sales staff on a global scale.