Supply-chain input · Material
Graphite
Natural or synthetic graphite used as anode material in lithium-ion cells.
Constraint
Why supply is constrained
China produced an estimated 78% of natural graphite in 2024 and 82% in 2025 (USGS) and over 95% of battery-grade graphite (IEA). The US is 100% import-reliant for natural graphite. China has required export licences for graphite since December 2023.
Producers1
Capacity and global share as reported; shares from different years and sources may not add up. Bars compare producers on this page only.
Dependencies
Upstream · needs · 0
No upstream inputs recorded.
This input
Graphite
Downstream · needed by · 2
Upstream: what this input is made from or processed with. Downstream: what is made from it.
Trade controls3
- Section 301 tariffs on China (four-year review modifications)United States · Tariff · Jan 1, 2026Section 301 tariff on Chinese natural graphite raised to 25% in 2026.
- MOFCOM Announcement No. 46 of 2024China · Export control · Dec 3, 2024Stricter end-user and end-use review for graphite exports to the United States; suspended from 2025-11-09 until 2026-11-27.
- MOFCOM/GAC Announcement No. 39 of 2023China · Export control · Dec 1, 2023Export licensing for high-purity, high-strength, high-density synthetic graphite and natural flake graphite, including spherical and expanded graphite.
Sources8
Profile3
- 1
International Energy Agency · May 21, 2025 · Supports Input
“produces over 95% of battery-grade graphite and rare earths.”
- 2Government recordMineral Commodity Summaries 2025: Graphite (Natural)
U.S. Geological Survey · Supports Input
“In 2024, China was the world's leading graphite producer, producing an estimated 78% of total world production.”
- 3Government recordMineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Graphite (Natural)
U.S. Geological Survey · Supports Input
“In 2025, China was the world's leading natural graphite supplier, producing an estimated 82% of total world production.”
Supply chain1
- 4Government recordDOD Enters Agreement to Expand Capabilities for Domestic Graphite Mining and Processing
U.S. Department of Defense · Jul 17, 2023 · Supports Organization input
“The $37.5 million agreement, entered into under Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III authorities and using funds appropriated by the Inflation Reduction Act”
Trade controls4
- 5Government record商务部公告2025年第72号
Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China · Nov 9, 2025 · Supports Trade control
“经批准，自即日起至2026年11月27日，商务部公告2024年第46号…第二款暂停实施。”
- 6Government record商务部公告2024年第46号 关于加强相关两用物项对美国出口管制的公告
Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China · Dec 3, 2024 · Supports Trade control
“二、原则上不予许可镓、锗、锑、超硬材料相关两用物项对美国出口；对石墨两用物项对美国出口，实施更严格的最终用户和最终用途审查。”
- 7Regulatory filingNotice of Modification: China's Acts, Policies and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property and Innovation
Federal Register (USTR) · Sep 18, 2024 · Supports Trade control
“Permanent magnets—Increase rate to 25% in 2026”
- 8Government record商务部 海关总署公告2023年第39号 关于优化调整石墨物项临时出口管制措施的公告
Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China · Oct 20, 2023 · Supports Trade control
“九、本公告自2023年12月1日起正式实施”
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