Graphite Electrodes Market - Forecast(2023 - 2028)

Report Code: CMR 33407 Report Format: PDF + Excel

Graphite Electrodes Market Overview

The global graphite electrodes market size is forecast to reach US$6.2 billion by 2026 after growing at a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period 2022-2027. The high demand for graphite electrodes in electric arc furnaces is anticipated to drive the growth of the market during the forecasting period. Electric arc furnaces use graphite electrodes in large quantities for manufacturing steel and non ferrous metals, and other smelting processes. Ultra high-power graphite electrode is expected to contribute extensively to the market’s growth owing to their higher thermal resistance and high durability qualities. The growing demand for lithium ion batteries in the automotive sector, especially in the electric vehicle segment is poised to expand the graphite electrodes market globally. Needle coke is used broadly in lithium ion batteries as raw material. The coming years have good scope for the holistic development of the target market. However, government regulations related to industrial pollution might hinder the growth of the graphite electrodes market during the forecast period.

COVID-19 Impact

The graphite electrodes market got severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic as there was a significant decline in the manufacturing of steel, especially in the first half of 2020. Steel production dropped sharply in many regions during the first half of 2020. According to the Steel Market Developments Q4 2020 report by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), regions like Europe (-17.9%), North America (-17.6%), South America (-19.9%), and Africa (-20.9%) were the worst hit in terms of steel production. On the contrary, there were regions like the Middle East (-0.5%) and Asia (-2.3%) where steel production was more resilient. Similarly, due to COVID-19, the global steel consumption witnessed a sharp decline of 2.4% in the first three months of 2020 compared to the drop in the same period one year earlier.

Graphite Electrodes Market Report Coverage

The report: Graphite Electrodes Market Forecast (2022 -2027)”, by IndustryARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments of the Graphite Electrodes Industry. 

By Type: Regular Power (RP), High Power (HP), Super High Power (SHP), Ultra High Power (UHP), High Density (HD), Others.
By Raw Material: Petroleum Coke, Needle Coke, Pitch Coke, Coal Tar Pitch, Others.
By Application: Steel Manufacturing, Silicon Metal Manufacturing, Steel Refining, Smelting Processes, Ferroalloy Production, Non Ferrous Metals Production, Lithium Ion Batteries Production, Others.
By End Use Industry: Automotive, Appliances, Construction, Machinery, Transportation, Aerospace and Defence, Oil and Refinery, Others.
By Geography: North America (USA, Canada, Mexico), Europe (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Russia, Belgium, Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Malaysia, Rest of Asia Pacific), South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Rest of South America), and RoW (Middle East and Africa).

Key Takeaways:

  • Ultra high power graphite electrode is projected to boost the graphite electrodes market owing to its properties like high heat resistance, crack resistance, durability, etc.
  • Steel manufacturing globally is anticipated to contribute immensely to the growth of the graphite electrodes market in the forecast period. According to World Steel Association 2021 Stainless Steel Figures report, 1878 million tonnes of crude steel were produced in 2020 globally amid the pandemic, and this number is bigger than the 2019 crude steel production that accounted for 1869 million tonnes.
  • Asia Pacific region is anticipated to drive the growth of the target market owing to the huge demand for production and consumption of high quality steel. According to World Steel Association 2021 Stainless Steel Figures report, China, India, and Japan were the top three major steel producing countries in 2020 with a crude steel production figure of 1064.8 million tonnes, 100.3 million tonnes, and 83.2 million tonnes respectively.

Figure: Asia Pacific Graphite Electrodes Market Revenue, 2021-2027 (US$ Billion)

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Graphite Electrodes Market - By Type

Ultra high power graphite electrode held the largest market share in 2021 and is growing at a CAGR of 6% during the forecast period. The ultra high power graphite electrode is gaining traction due to its heavy usage in large capacity electric arc furnaces regarding steel manufacturing and refining processes. These graphite electrodes possess robust qualities such as high thermal resistance, crack resistance, durability, and superior quality which makes them a better option in comparison to other graphite electrodes. Furthermore, this form of electrode is used extensively in electric arc furnaces due to its high production efficiency and ability to reduce total production costs. Owing to such impressive features of UHP graphite electrodes, steel manufacturers globally are inclining towards UHP graphite electrodes to produce durable and high-quality steel and ultimately gain more capital. For instance, according to a 2020 report by Showa Denko, the world’s largest supplier of ultra-high-powered graphite electrodes, mentioned that its global graphite electrode business amounted to a huge figure of yen 300 billion (USD 2.73) out of which ultra high power graphite electrode segment accounted for more than 30% share. By 2025, the company aims to expand all its top businesses that also include graphite electrode businesses, which, in turn, will expand its ultra high power graphite electrodes market share. Similarly, GrafTech International Ltd, a US based leading graphite electrodes manufacturer which deals extensively with ultra-high power graphite electrodes, has mentioned in its second-quarter 2021 results report that the company increased the production capabilities owing to high demand for graphite electrodes, and will continue to do the same in the coming years. These positive trends in ultra high power graphite electrode segment will ultimately boost the growth of the graphite electrodes market during the forecast period.

Graphite Electrodes Market - By Raw Material

Needle coke held the largest share in the graphite electrodes market in 2021, as it is the main raw material used in the manufacturing of graphite electrodes for the steel industry. These graphite electrodes are utilized to melt steel scraps in electric arc furnaces. Needle coke is of two types, either petroleum based or coal based. Petroleum needle coke is the most preferred needle coke in comparison to coal based, owing to the longer bake time of coal needle coke and the durable quality of petroleum needle coke. Due to the high qualities of petroleum needle coke, manufacturers are focusing to produce petroleum needle coke of the highest quality. For instance, according to the annual report for the fiscal year 2020 by US based graphite electrodes and petroleum coke manufacturing company Graftech International Ltd., Seadrift Coke LP has a massive production capacity of approximately 1,40,000 MT of petroleum needle coke, which makes it one of the largest producers of graphite electrodes globally. Seadrift Coke LP is one of the biggest acquisitions of Graftech International Ltd, and in the coming years, Graftech International Ltd aims to expand the production of super premium petroleum needle coke with the help of Seadrift, which, in turn, will boost the growth of the graphite electrodes market.

Apart from graphite electrodes, needle coke is also employed in artificial graphite which is used in the production of lithium ion batteries for electric vehicles. Lithium ion battery is also projected to drive the market’s growth due to the increasing demand for electric vehicles globally. Petroleum needle coke based graphite is the desirable choice of electric vehicle manufacturers due to its ability to provide batteries with longer driving ranges and greater energy density. Graphite is the main material utilized in the production of anode material for lithium ion batteries. For instance, the Tesla Model S has 85 kg of graphite. Going forward, the growing market of the EV segment will expand petroleum needle coke based graphite in the lithium ion battery sector. In a recent development, Phillips 66 has announced in August 2021 that the company will focus on the development and expansion of battery components for electric vehicles which also include lithium ion batteries. Such growth in the lithium ion battery sector will boost the demand for petroleum needle coke based graphite, thereby expanding the graphite electrodes market in the forecast period.

Graphite Electrodes Market - By Application

The steel manufacturing segment held the largest share in 2021 and is growing at a CAGR of 7% during the forecast period. The segment is projected to drive the growth in the forecast period owing to the massive usage of graphite electrodes for the production of steel in electric arc furnaces. The high thermal resistance capability of the graphite electrode makes it suitable for use in the high heat environment inside the electric arc furnace. Today, there is a growing demand for the production of electric arc furnace steel globally which is a positive trend considering the fact steel production was one of the worst hit industries during the pandemic. According to World Steel Organization, crude steel production globally amounted to 167.9 million tonnes (MT) in June 2021, which is an 11.6% increase in steel production in the same period one year earlier. Furthermore, the expansion in construction, automotive, machinery, and other industries will demand a large amount of steel, which, in turn, will increase the massive usage of graphite electrodes.

Graphite Electrodes Market - By End Use Industry

The construction sector dominated the graphite electrodes market in 2021. The construction sector is anticipated to drive the growth of the graphite electrodes market globally during the forecast period owing to the high demand for rapid construction activity and infrastructure renovation projects in current times. The increasing activity in the building construction industry will support the demand for steel and non ferrous metals, ultimately boosting the requirement of a large number of graphite electrodes. For instance, according to the European Construction Industry Federation 2021 statistical report, the housebuilding segment in Europe is projected to have a positive investment growth rate of 5.5% in 2021. The renovation projects and new housebuilding segments are projected to witness an investment growth rate of 5.7% and 4.8% respectively. Similarly, as per the report by India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) received by India between April 2000 and March 2021 in the construction development sector which includes built-up infrastructure, housing, and construction development projects were valued at US$ 26.08 billion. So, these increasing activities in the construction sector will drive the demand for steel and other non ferrous metals, thereby increasing the growth of the graphite electrodes market during the forecast period.

Graphite Electrodes Market - By Geography

Asia-Pacific region held the largest market share in 2021 up to 30%. The rapid expansion in the Chinese construction segment demands a large amount of steel for constructing various buildings and renovation projects. As a result of this, there has been a positive trend in steel production in 2021. According to World Steel Association, crude steel production in China amounted to 93.9 million tonnes in June 2021 with a positive growth rate of 1.5%. Apart from China, India and Japan produced 9.4 million tonnes and 8.1 million tonnes of crude steel with an increased production growth rate of 21.4% and 44.4% respectively. Hence, these positive trends in steel production in the Asia Pacific region will immensely contribute to the growth of the graphite electrodes market during the forecast period.

The European region is projected to witness significant growth in the construction sector. According to the European Construction Industry Federation 2021 statistical report, the European construction industry (residential, commercial, renovation, civil engineering) is projected to witness a positive investment growth rate of 4.2%, which, in turn, will drive the growth of graphite electrodes market in the forecast period

Graphite Electrodes Market Drivers

Growing market of electric vehicles globally will drive the growth of graphite electrodes market

The huge production of electric vehicles globally is expected to be a key driver in the growth of the graphite electrodes market. More electric vehicles will demand more lithium ion batteries which will ultimately boost the requirement for more graphite electrodes. Graphite material is the key material used in the anode material in lithium ion batteries. The new energy vehicles (NEV) and electric vehicles (EV) segment in China is increasing rapidly. As per the reports by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), the Chinese automobile industry will stay on a progressive track with NEVs (New Energy Vehicles) segment witnessing more demand in the coming years. Similarly, the region in Europe is anticipated to witness a positive trend in the electrically chargeable vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) segments in the coming years. As per the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) statistics, electrically-chargeable vehicles witnessed an increase in sales as the segment made up 10.5% of total car sales in 2020 in comparison to 3% in 2019. Similarly, hybrid electric vehicles made up 11.9% of total car sales in 2020, in comparison to 5.7% in 2019. This progress in the electric vehicles segment will expand the production of lithium ion batteries, thereby boosting the growth of the graphite electrodes market during the forecast period.

Increasing global production of steel will boost the growth of the graphite electrodes market

Steel production worldwide is witnessing a healthy production rate amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Being one of the strongly hit industries by the pandemic, steel production is on a progressive track across different regions due to its high demand in the various end-use industry such as construction, automotive, appliances, etc. According to World Steel Association 2021 Stainless Steel Figures report, crude steel production accounted for 1878 million tonnes in 2020 globally in which the Asia-Pacific region was the largest, producing 1388.7 million tonnes. The European and the Middle East region produced 139.2 million tonnes and 45.4 million tonnes of crude oil in 2020. As per World Steel Association 2021 report, the steel production market is already showing a positive sign in steel production globally which will witness high usage of graphite electrodes, thereby driving the graphite electrodes market during the forecast period.

Graphite Electrodes Market Challenges

Government regulations in China regarding industrial pollution might hinder the growth of graphite electrodes market

China is the largest production and consumption of steel in the world and has been continuously contributing to the graphite electrodes market. However, the government regulations regarding industrial pollution have been a matter of concern in the steel production in the region. According to Graphite India Limited’s Corporate Presentation August 2020 report, China has closed 300 million tonnes of highly polluting and outdated steel production capacity due to the government’s industrial pollution control regulations, slowing down the production of steel over the past years. Therefore, the environmental regulations in China might continue to affect the production of steel, ultimately restricting the usage of graphite electrodes and the market’s growth in the coming years.

Graphite Electrodes Industry Outlook

Investment in R&D activities, acquisitions, product and technology launches are key strategies adopted by players in the graphite electrodes market. Major players in the graphite electrodes market are:

  1. Showa Denko KK
  2. GrafTech International
  3. Fangda Carbon New Material Technology Co. Ltd
  4. Graphite Limited, HEG Limited
  5. Jilin Carbon Co. Ltd
  6. Nantong Yangzi Carbon Co. Ltd
  7. Tokai Carbon Co. Ltd
  8. Others

Acquisitions/Product Launches

In June 2020, Showa Denko KK acquired Hitachi Chemical Company (now Showa Denko Materials Co., Ltd.) which deals with graphite-based anode material for lithium-ion batteries. This acquisition will support the expansion of the graphite anode production, ultimately boosting the growth of the graphite electrodes market.

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1. Graphite Electrodes Market- Market Overview
    1.1 Definitions and Scope
2. Graphite Electrodes Market- Executive Summary
    2.1 Key Trends by Type
    2.2 Key Trends by Raw Material
    2.3 Key Trends by Application
    2.4 Key Trends by End Use Industry
    2.5 Key Trends by Geography
3. Graphite Electrodes Market- Comparative analysis
    3.1 Market Share Analysis- Major Companies
    3.2 Product Benchmarking- Major Companies
    3.3 Top 5 Financials Analysis
    3.4 Patent Analysis- Major Companies
    3.5 Pricing Analysis (ASPs will be provided)
4. Graphite Electrodes Market- Startup companies Scenario Premium Premium 
    4.1 Major startup company analysis:
        4.1.1 Investment
        4.1.2 Revenue
        4.1.3 Product portfolio
        4.1.4 Venture Capital and Funding Scenario
5. Graphite Electrodes Market– Industry Market Entry Scenario Premium Premium
    5.1 Regulatory Framework Overview
    5.2 New Business and Ease of Doing business index
    5.3 Successful Venture Profiles
    5.4 Customer Analysis - Major companies
6. Graphite Electrodes Market- Market Forces
    6.1 Market Drivers
    6.2 Market Constraints
    6.3 Porters five force model
        6.3.1 Bargaining power of suppliers
        6.3.2 Bargaining powers of customers
        6.3.3 Threat of new entrants
        6.3.4 Competitive Rivalry
        6.3.5 Threat of substitutes
7. Graphite Electrodes Market-Strategic analysis
    7.1 Value chain analysis
    7.2 Opportunities analysis
    7.3 Product/Market life cycle
    7.4 Distributors Analysis - Major Companies
8. Graphite Electrodes Market– By Type (Market Size -US$ Million, Billion)
    8.1 Regular Power (RP)
    8.2 High Power (HP)
    8.3 Super High Power (SHP)
    8.4 Ultra High Power (UHP)
    8.5 High Density (HD)
    8.6 Others
9. Graphite Electrodes Market– By Raw Material (Market Size -US$ Million, Billion)
    9.1 Petroleum Coke
    9.2 Needle Coke
    9.3 Pitch Coke
    9.4 Coal Tar Pitch
    9.5 Others
10. Graphite Electrodes Market– By Application (Market Size -US$ Million, Billion)
    10.1 Steel Manufacturing
    10.2 Silicon Metal Manufacturing
    10.3 Steel Refining
    10.4 Smelting Processes
    10.5 Ferroalloy Production
    10.6 Non Ferrous Metals Production
    10.7 Lithium Ion Batteries Production
    10.8 Others
11. Graphite Electrodes Market– By End Use Industry (Market Size -US$ Million, Billion)
    11.1 Automotive
    11.2 Appliances
    11.3 Construction
    11.4 Machinery
    11.5 Transportation
    11.6 Aerospace and Defence
    11.7 Oil and Refinery
    11.8 Others
12. Graphite Electrodes Market - By Geography (Market Size -US$ Million / Billion)
    12.1 North America
        12.1.1 USA
        12.1.2 Canada
        12.1.3 Mexico
    12.2 Europe
        12.2.1 UK
        12.2.2 Germany
        12.2.3 France
        12.2.4 Italy
        12.2.5 Netherlands
        12.2.6 Spain
        12.2.7 Russia
        12.2.8 Belgium
        12.2.9 Rest of Europe
    12.3 Asia Pacific
        12.3.1 China
        12.3.2 Japan
        12.3.3 India
        12.3.4 South Korea
        12.3.5 Australia and New Zealand
        12.3.6 Indonesia
        12.3.7 Taiwan
        12.3.8 Malaysia
        12.3.9 Rest of Asia Pacific
    12.4 South America
        12.4.1 Brazil
        12.4.2 Argentina
        12.4.3 Colombia
        12.4.4 Chile
        12.4.5 Rest of South America
    12.5 ROW
        12.5.1 Middle East
            12.5.1.1 Saudi Arabia
            12.5.1.2 UAE
            12.5.1.3 Israel
            12.5.1.4 Rest of Middle East
    12.5.2 Africa
            12.5.2.1 South Africa
            12.5.2.2 Nigeria
            12.5.2.3 Rest of Africa
13. Graphite Electrodes Market-Entropy
    13.1 New Product Launches
    13.2 M&A’s, Collaborations, JVs and Partnerships
14. Graphite Electrodes Market-Market Share Analysis Premium
    14.1 Company Benchmarking Matrix- Major Companies
    14.2 Market Share at Global Level- Major companies
    14.3 Market Share by Key Region- Major companies
    14.4 Market Share by Key Country- Major companies
    14.5 Market Share by Key Application - Major companies
    14.6 Market Share by Key Product Type/Product category- Major companies
15. Graphite Electrodes Market- Key Company List by Country Premium Premium 
16. Graphite Electrodes Market Company Analysis- Business Overview, Product Portfolio, Financials, and Developments
    16.1 Company 1
    16.2 Company 2
    16.3 Company 3
    16.4 Company 4
    16.5 Company 5
    16.6 Company 6
    16.7 Company 7
    16.8 Company 8
    16.9 Company 9
    16.10 Company 10 and more
"*Financials would be provided on a best efforts basis for private companies"