Global Graphite Supply Chain: Which Nations Lead the World's Mining Output?

The surge in electric vehicle adoption has transformed graphite from an overlooked commodity into a critical strategic resource. As the backbone material for lithium-ion battery anodes, graphite demand is accelerating worldwide—yet production remains heavily concentrated in just a handful of countries.

Why Graphite Matters More Than Ever

Graphite possesses exceptional thermal and electrical conductivity alongside superior natural durability. Until recently, however, the material remained on the periphery of mainstream investment focus. The landscape shifted dramatically with the proliferation of lithium-ion batteries, which power everything from smartphones to EVs. Both natural and synthetic graphite—particularly in spherical form—serve as indispensable components in battery anode manufacturing.

Market analysts project remarkable growth ahead. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global graphite market is forecasted to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 6.9 percent from 2025 through 2032, reaching a valuation of US$13.35 billion. The driver? Dual pressure from refractory sector demand and explosive battery industry growth. As one analyst noted: “Soaring battery demand is triggering a potential supply shortage, prompting nations worldwide to safeguard their graphite access.”

Many experts maintain that despite evolving battery chemistry discussions, graphite will remain essential in EV powertrains for at least the next decade.

Geographic Distribution: Where Graphite Reserves Concentrate

Graphite deposits form naturally in metamorphic and igneous rock formations scattered across Asia, East Africa, and select other regions. The geographic concentration of reserves shapes today’s production hierarchy.

Asia’s Dominance: One Asian nation commands both mining and processing operations for natural and synthetic graphite. This country maintains the planet’s largest confirmed natural graphite reserves at 81 million metric tons and has orchestrated a remarkable post-pandemic production recovery that solidified its market position.

African Abundance: East Africa has emerged as the secondary production hub. Three African nations rank among the top five in proven reserves: one holds 27 million MT, another 25 million MT, and a third 18 million MT respectively.

Secondary Reserves: Brazil possesses the second-largest reserve base globally at 74 million MT, despite experiencing output fluctuations in recent years.

Production Leaders: A Detailed Breakdown

The Dominant Producer

One nation alone supplied approximately 78 percent of worldwide graphite mine output in 2024, producing 1.27 million metric tons. This country’s dominance stems partly from aggressive flake graphite processing—roughly 85 percent of its output arrived in flake form. Export data reveals tightening supply: compared to the prior year, flake graphite exports fell 25 percent and spherical graphite shipments dropped 28 percent during the first eight months of 2024. The state-operated sector includes operations like the Yunshan mine in Heilongjiang Province, which alone generates 200,000 MT annually.

Rising African Powers

East Africa’s Growth Story: An East African nation climbed from fifth place in 2021 to occupy the second-largest production slot today. Its 89,000 MT output in 2024 represented a 26,000 MT year-over-year jump. The country hosts the world’s third-largest reserve cache at 27 million MT. A notable developer’s SuperFlake graphite concentrate achieved commercial production milestones in mid-2023, with maiden shipments to Western markets occurring in late 2024.

Coastal Production: Another East African nation ranks third, outputting 75,000 metric tons, though this represented a 24 percent decline from the previous year. Two major operators manage local extraction—one runs the globe’s largest integrated natural graphite mining and processing facility, producing 23 distinct graphite products across multiple mesh specifications. The operator temporarily halted production in mid-2023 due to unfavorable pricing, restarted operations at reduced capacity in Q3 2023, and maintained lower throughput into 2024 pending improved market conditions. Regional political instability subsequently forced a production suspension in Q4 2024.

Emerging Development: A sixth-ranked East African nation produced 25,000 metric tons in 2024—a surge exceeding 89 percent year-over-year. With 18 million MT in reserves, the nation is attracting new mining ventures. A recently commissioned mine commenced shipping graphite concentrate to European markets in mid-2024, operating at 40,000 MT annual capacity. Additional large-scale projects progressed toward regulatory approval during the same period.

Americas and Other Regions

South American Producer: Fourth-ranked output of 68,000 metric tons came from a South American nation boasting the second-largest reserve base at 74 million MT. Despite slipping from its 2021 position as the world’s second-largest producer (82,000 MT), the country has attracted exploration and development activity. One newly operational project commenced Phase 1 production ramping in late 2024, with initial capacity of 12,000 MT per year and planned expansions potentially reaching 50,000 MT annually.

South Asian Output: An South Asian nation produced 27,800 metric tons in 2024, representing a 2,200 MT increase from the prior year. With 8.6 million MT in total reserves, the country operates multiple mining enterprises. One northern state accounts for nearly half the nation’s reserve holdings.

North American Entry: New to the top-tier rankings, a North American nation increased output by more than 265 percent to reach 20,000 metric tons in 2024. Its sole producer operates a mine that has functioned for over three decades and plans to increase annual throughput to 25,000 MT while prioritizing battery supply chain customers.

Eastern European Operator: Tied with the North American producer at 20,000 metric tons, an Eastern European nation raised output by 5,000 MT compared to 2023. Pre-conflict projections anticipated significant production increases at major facilities, though current geopolitical circumstances have created uncertainty. One regional firm was expected to launch a new operation with 40,000 MT annual capacity in late 2024.

Smaller Contributors

East Asian Initiatives: One East Asian nation produced 9,600 metric tons in 2024, maintaining near-flat production versus the prior year. Government policy explicitly targets EV battery leadership with US$7 billion in dedicated investment aimed at reducing reliance on foreign graphite sources.

North Asian Production: A northern neighbor generated 8,100 metric tons, consistent with historical output levels, while managing 2 million MT in reserves. Detailed information on operations remains limited.

European Producer: A Northern European nation rounded out the top tier with 7,000 metric tons in 2024, up from 6,480 MT in 2023. Its graphite deposits exclusively contain flake varieties and typically feature smaller tonnage, yet benefit from favorable positioning near maritime infrastructure and power grids. The continent’s largest crystalline graphite producer, one northern mine, was acquired by a resource developer in late 2024.

The Strategic Outlook

The concentration of graphite production in Asia, combined with substantial African expansion, underscores the geopolitical significance of this material. As battery demand accelerates and EV adoption spreads globally, nations are competing to secure supply chains and establish production capacity. Investment in exploration, development, and processing infrastructure will remain critical for meeting the decade ahead of sustained graphite demand in energy storage and transportation electrification.