Market Overview
Flake graphite is a variety of mineral graphite characterized by its flake-like structure. Flake graphite is used as a filler, lubricant, corrosion resistant, gasket material, high temperature sheet material and as a crucible. It is also used in lithium-ion batteries as anode material due to its high capacity and conductivity. Growing application of flake graphite in lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells is expected to boost the market growth over the forecast period.
The flake graphite market is estimated to be valued at US$ 16.05 Bn in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 8.2% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.
Market Dynamics
Increasing application of flake graphite in lithium-ion batteries is one of the major drivers which is expected to boost the market growth. Flake graphite provides high conductivity, durability and capacity for lithium-ion battery applications. According to Coherent Market Insights analysis, the global electric vehicle stock has grown by 63% from 3 million in 2015 to 5 million in 2020 and is further projected to grow at 30-40% CAGR to 15-25 million on road by 2030. This surge in electric vehicle adoption is positively impacting the demand for lithium-ion batteries which in turn is propelling the demand for flake graphite used in battery anodes. The short supply of graphite is another driver which is supporting the steady increase in graphite prices and simultaneously boosting the market growth. Mining operations are still reliant on existing mature deposits leading to constrained supply growth.
SWOT Analysis
Strength: Flake graphite has properties like high thermal and electrical conductivity, strong corrosion resistance, and high strength. It is lightweight and can withstand high temperatures making it suitable for use in various refractories, friction products, lubricants and dry charge batteries. Flake graphite deposits are relatively easier to extract and process compared to vein graphite.
Weakness: Many flake graphite producing countries are politically unstable which increases supply risks. High capital investment is required to set up mining and processing facilities of flake graphite.
Opportunity: Increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries from automotive and energy storage sectors will drive the demand for flake graphite as anode material. Rapid urbanization and industrialization in developing nations is expected to boost construction activities thereby augmenting the consumption of refractories using flake graphite.
Threats: Easy availability of substitutes like synthetic graphite poses competition to flake graphite. Stringent mining laws and environmental regulations in many countries increase operating costs.
Key Takeaways:
The global flake graphite market is expected to witness high growth, exhibiting CAGR of 8.2% over the forecast period, due to increasing demand from lithium-ion batteries sector. Rapidly growing electric vehicle industry is substantially boosting the consumption of batteries which requires flake graphite as a key anode material.
Regional analysis: Asia Pacific dominated the global flake graphite market in 2022, accounting for around 45% of global share. China leads the regional market with presence of major graphite producers. India is projected to exhibit fastest growth in the coming years backed by strong industrial growth and expanding refractory industry in the country. Large deposits and low-cost production provide competitive advantage to APAC countries.
Key players operating in the flake graphite market are AMG, Asbury Carbons, Eagle Graphite, EPM Group, Grafitbergbau Kaisersberg GmbH, Graphite India Limited (GIL), Imerys, and Nacional de Grafite. These players are major producers and suppliers of flake graphite across the globe. They are focusing on expanding their production capacities as well as entering into long term supply contracts to meet the growing demand from end-use industries.
