Graphite has become an important industrial resource, with multiple applications from traditional goods to modern uses in the automotive, aerospace, and energy industries. The global graphite market is expected to grow substantially in the coming years, which has led many countries to begin producing graphite. According to the United States Geological Survey, the following 10 countries are responsible for 80% of the world’s graphite production as of the year 2023.
The leading producer of graphite in the world is China, which accounted for 50% of the world’s production in 2023. This is no surprise given China’s status as an industrial powerhouse, with numerous graphite mining operations scattered throughout the country. China’s graphite production is mainly centered in Shandong province.
India is the second-largest producer of graphite, with a 2023 market share of 18%. India is a major exporter of graphite, mainly supplying products to the United Kingdom and the United States. The country’s major sources of graphite include the states of Jharkhand and Odisha.
Finishing in third place is Turkey, with a market share of 5%. Graphite mining in Turkey is concentrated mainly in the provinces of Kayseri and Kahramanmaras, and the country is a major exporter of graphite, primarily to Asian countries.
Fourth on the list is Brazil, with a 4% share of the global graphite production. Brazil’s graphite reserves are mainly concentrated in the regions of Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Norte.
In fifth place is North Korea, with a 3% share. North Korea has some of the largest graphite reserves in the world, with most of the country’s production centered in the Kaesong region.
Sixth on the list is Canada, with a 2% market share. The country has many graphite deposits scattered across its territory, primarily in provinces like Quebec, Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Seventh on the list is Austria, with a 2% share. Austria has long been involved in graphite production, with the majority of its reserves located in the states of Carinthia and Styria.
Eighth is Sri Lanka, with a 2% share. Sri Lanka has numerous graphite deposits scattered throughout the country, with the majority being located in the central and western regions.
Ninth is Madagascar, with a 1% share. Madagascar’s graphite reserves are mostly concentrated in the central and southern regions of the country.
Finally, rounding out the top 10 is Norway, with a 1% share. Norway has numerous graphite reserves located mainly in the Finnmark region of the country.
It is clear that graphite will remain an important industrial resource going forward and these 10 countries will be important in supplying it to the world market.