Global Graphite Electrode Market 2024–2033

Reports Description

As per the current market research conducted by Custom Market Insight Team, the global Graphite Electrode market is expected to record a CAGR of 9.9% from 2023 to 2030. In 2023, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of US$ 9,575.75 million. By 2030, the valuation is anticipated to reach US$ 18,541.99 million.

The graphite electrode market refers to the global market for graphite electrodes, which are essential components in the production of steel via the electric arc furnace (EAF) method. Graphite electrodes are used as conductors of electric current in EAFs, where they melt scrap steel to create new steel products. The market encompasses the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of graphite electrodes to industries such as construction, automotive, infrastructure, and aerospace and defense. The market size and demand for graphite electrodes can fluctuate based on various economic and industrial factors.

Graphite Electrode Market – Significant Growth Factors

The graphite electrode market presents significant growth opportunities due to the increasing demand for steel products in various industries. The growth of the construction, automotive, infrastructure, and aerospace and defense sectors, which are major consumers of steel products, is driving the demand for graphite electrodes.

Moreover, the shift towards electric arc furnace (EAF) technology in the steel production process, which requires graphite electrodes, is also contributing to the market’s growth. The EAF method is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than traditional steelmaking methods, and it requires a higher amount of graphite electrodes. Additionally, the increasing use of graphite electrodes in non-steel applications, such as the production of silicon metal, aluminum, and other alloys, is expected to further boost the demand for graphite electrodes in the market.

Furthermore, advancements in graphite electrode technology, such as the development of ultra-high power (UHP) graphite electrodes, are providing new growth opportunities for the market players. These UHP graphite electrodes offer better performance, durability, and efficiency than conventional graphite electrodes, and they are expected to become more popular in the steel production process in the coming years.

In summary, the graphite electrode market is expected to experience significant growth opportunities due to the increasing demand for steel products, the shift towards EAF technology, the expanding use of graphite electrodes in non-steel applications, and the development of advanced graphite electrode technologies.

Graphite Electrode Market – Mergers and Acquisitions

The graphite electrode market has seen significant mergers and acquisitions activity in recent years, driven by the need for companies to expand their production capacities and product offerings to meet the increasing demand for graphite electrodes.

• One of the most notable mergers in the graphite electrode market was the acquisition of GrafTech International by Brookfield Asset Management in 2015. This merger allowed GrafTech to expand its production capabilities and enter new markets, while Brookfield Asset Management gained access to GrafTech’s advanced technology and expertise in the graphite electrode market.
• In 2018, Showa Denko acquired SGL GE Holding, a subsidiary of SGL Carbon, to expand its presence in the graphite electrode market. This acquisition allowed Showa Denko to enter new markets and increase its production capacities, while SGL Carbon divested its non-core business and focused on other areas of its operations.
• Other notable mergers and acquisitions in the graphite electrode market include the acquisition of Ameri-Source by Tokai Carbon Co. Ltd. in 2018, and the acquisition of C-G Carbon by Tokai Carbon Co. Ltd. in 2020.

In summary, the graphite electrode market has seen significant mergers and acquisitions activity in recent years, as companies look to expand their production capacities, product offerings, and market share to meet the increasing demand for graphite electrodes.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE RELATED MARKET

Graphite Electrode Market – Significant Threats

The graphite electrode market faces several significant threats that could impact its growth and profitability. These threats include:

• Fluctuations in the steel industry: The demand for graphite electrodes is closely tied to the steel industry, which is subject to fluctuations in demand, pricing, and supply chain disruptions. These factors can impact the demand for graphite electrodes and lead to revenue and profitability declines for graphite electrode manufacturers.
• Increasing competition: The graphite electrode market is highly competitive, with several large players operating in the market. The entry of new competitors and the expansion of existing players can increase competition, resulting in price wars, lower profit margins, and market share losses.
• Technological advancements: The development of alternative technologies for steel production, such as direct reduced iron (DRI) and blast furnace technologies, could reduce the demand for graphite electrodes and negatively impact the market.
• Raw material price volatility: Graphite electrodes are made from raw materials such as needle coke and coal tar pitch, which are subject to price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions. These factors can impact the production costs of graphite electrodes, affecting the profitability of manufacturers.
• Environmental regulations: The graphite electrode manufacturing process generates greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants, which can lead to stricter environmental regulations and compliance costs. These regulations can increase production costs and reduce the profitability of graphite electrode manufacturers.

In summary, the graphite electrode market faces several significant threats, including fluctuations in the steel industry, increasing competition, technological advancements, raw material price volatility, and environmental regulations. Companies operating in the market must be prepared to navigate these challenges to maintain their competitive position and profitability.

Report Scope

Category-Wise Insights

Product Type-Based Insights

The global graphite electrode market was led by the ultra-high power segment in 2019, which accounted for the largest market share. These graphite electrodes are predominantly used in the electric arc furnace (EAF) industry for recycling steel. The primary raw material for ultra-high power graphite electrodes is high-quality needle coke, produced from either coal tar or petroleum. The electrodes are cylindrical in shape and feature threaded areas at each end to enable assembly into an electrode column using electrode nipples.

The increasing popularity of large-capacity ultra-high power arc furnaces, which offer lower costs and higher work efficiency, is expected to drive the demand for ultra-high power graphite electrodes. As a result, this segment is projected to maintain its dominant position in the graphite electrode market and witness the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) growth.

Application-Based Insights

The graphite electrode market is segmented by application into electric arc furnaces, ladle furnaces, and others. Among these, the electric arc furnace segment is expected to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Graphite electrodes are an essential component of the electric arc furnace (EAF) method for steel production and are also used for the purification of steel in ladle furnaces.

In addition, they are utilized in the production of non-steel ferrous metals, ferroalloys, silicon metal, and yellow phosphorus. Although the quantity required is small, with approximately 1.6kg of graphite electrode needed for every ton of steel production, it is a crucial consumable in EAF steel production. The electric arc furnace segment accounts for more than 82% of the total graphite electrode market share.

Graphite Electrode Market – Regional Analysis

The graphite electrode market can be analyzed based on regional segments, including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South America.

• Asia Pacific dominated the graphite electrode market in 2019, owing to the increasing demand for steel and other metals in developing countries such as China, India, and Southeast Asia. The region is also a major producer of steel, which drives the demand for graphite electrodes. Moreover, the growing use of electric vehicles in the region is expected to boost the demand for graphite electrodes for lithium-ion battery production.
• North America and Europe are significant markets for graphite electrodes, primarily due to the presence of several prominent steel and automotive manufacturers. The demand for graphite electrodes in these regions is driven by factors such as technological advancements, increasing investments in renewable energy, and the growth of the aerospace and defense industries.
• The Middle East and Africa and South America are expected to witness substantial growth in the graphite electrode market during the forecast period, owing to the rising demand for steel and other metals in these regions. Additionally, the expansion of the construction, automotive, and infrastructure sectors is expected to boost the demand for graphite electrodes in these regions.

In summary, Asia Pacific dominates the graphite electrode market, while North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and South America are emerging as significant regional markets, driven by growing demand for steel, technological advancements, and the growth of various industries.

Competitive Landscape – Graphite Electrode Market

The graphite electrode market is highly competitive, with several established players operating at the global and regional levels. The market is consolidated, with a few major players dominating the market share. The key players in the market include

• EPM Group
• GrafTech International Ltd
• Graphite India Limited
• HEG Ltd, Kaifeng Carbon Co. Ltd
• Zhongping Energy & Chemical Group (KFCC)
• Nantong Yangzi Carbon Co. Ltd.
• Nippon Carbon Co Ltd.
• Sangraf International
• SHOWA DENKO K.K.
• Tokai Carbon Co. Ltd.
• Others

These companies are focusing on mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, and collaborations to expand their presence in the market. For instance, in 2020, GrafTech International Ltd. announced the acquisition of Seadrift Coke L.P. and C/G Electrodes LLC, to strengthen its position in the graphite electrode market.

Furthermore, the companies are investing in research and development activities to enhance their product offerings and increase their market share. For instance, Showa Denko K.K. developed a new grade of ultra-high thermal shock resistance graphite electrodes in 2020, which can be used for ultra-high-power electric arc furnaces.

The market players are also adopting various strategies such as product innovation, capacity expansion, and strategic alliances to gain a competitive edge in the market. The competitive landscape of the graphite electrode market is expected to remain highly competitive in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for steel and other metals, and the growing adoption of electric vehicles.

The Graphite Electrode Market is segmented as follows:

By Electrode Grade Analysis

➢ Ultra-High Power (UHP)

➢ High Power (SHP)

➢ Regular Power (RP)

By Application Analysis

➢ Steel

➢ Nonferrous Metals

➢ Fused Materials

➢ Inverted

➢ Chemical Processing

➢ Electric Arc Furnace (EAF)

➢ Ladle Furnace (LF)

➢ Basic Oxygen Furnace

➢ Non-steel Application

By Region

North America

• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Rest of North America

Europe

• Germany
• France
• U.K.
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• New Zealand
• Australia
• South Korea
• Rest of Asia Pacific

The Middle East & Africa

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Egypt
• Kuwait
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America