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This table presents detailed data on the quantity and value of graphite electrodes imported into the United States from various countries and localities. Graphite electrodes are critical components used primarily in electric arc furnaces for steel production, making their import statistics a key indicator of industrial activity and supply chain dynamics within the U.S. manufacturing sector. Monitoring these imports helps assess market trends, potential supply risks, and economic dependencies on foreign sources for this essential industrial material.
Analysis of the 2023 data reveals a notable decline in total imports for consumption, dropping from 101,000 metric tons valued at $363 million in 2022 to 74,500 metric tons worth $290 million. India and Mexico remain the top suppliers by quantity, with India exporting 29,100 metric tons valued at $62.5 million and Mexico providing 13,900 metric tons valued at $66.1 million in 2023. However, India’s imports decreased by approximately 15% in volume and 15% in value compared to the previous year, while Mexico saw a sharper decline of about 32% in quantity and 14% in value. Conversely, Poland exhibited a significant increase, rising from 2,660 metric tons ($12.8 million) in 2022 to 5,380 metric tons ($33.8 million) in 2023, more than doubling its export volume to the U.S. Imports from Russia plummeted drastically from 10,400 metric tons ($31.4 million) to just 165 metric tons ($588,000), reflecting geopolitical and trade disruptions. These shifts highlight evolving trade patterns and underscore the importance of diversification in sourcing graphite electrodes for U.S. industry.
| TABLE 7 | ||||
| U.S. IMPORTS FOR CONSUMPTION | ||||
| OF GRAPHITE ELECTRODES, BY COUNTRY OR LOCALITY1, 2 | ||||
| Quantity | Value3 | |||
| Country or locality | (metric tons) | (thousands) | ||
| 2022: | ||||
| Austria | 3610 | 20900 | ||
| Canada | 806 | 421 | ||
| China | 11000 | 32500 | ||
| France | 3820 | 23200 | ||
| Germany | 427 | 14100 | ||
| India | 34400 | 73600 | ||
| Italy | 4700 | 28600 | ||
| Japan | 2530 | 16400 | ||
| Malaysia | 2180 | 14200 | ||
| Mexico | 20300 | 77200 | ||
| Poland | 2660 | 12800 | ||
| Russia | 10400 | 31400 | ||
| Spain | 1710 | 9820 | ||
| Taiwan | 95 | 476 | ||
| Ukraine | 1640 | 5340 | ||
| United Kingdom | 561 | 1960 | ||
| Other | 53 | 460 | ||
| Total | 101000 | 363000 | ||
| 2023: | ||||
| Austria | 2530 | 15300 | ||
| Canada | 213 | 251 | ||
| China | 11600 | 36200 | ||
| France | 1840 | 11000 | ||
| Germany | 104 | 10600 | ||
| India | 29100 | 62500 | ||
| Italy | 2940 | 18800 | ||
| Japan | 2530 | 13400 | ||
| Malaysia | 195 | 1320 | ||
| Mexico | 13900 | 66100 | ||
| Poland | 5380 | 33800 | ||
| Russia | 165 | 588 | ||
| Spain | 2150 | 13100 | ||
| Ukraine | 1060 | 4010 | ||
| United Kingdom | 615 | 1850 | ||
| Other | 204 | 740 | ||
| Total | 74500 | 290000 | ||
1Table includes data available through August 27, 2024. Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown.
2The applicable Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS) nomenclature is “Graphite electrodes, not exceeding 425 mm in diameter, of a kind used for furnaces,” “Graphite electrodes, exceeding 425 mm in diameter, of a kind used for furnaces,” and “Carbon electrodes of a kind used for furnaces, excluding graphite,” codes 8545.11.0010, 8545.11.0020, and 8545.11.0050, respectively.
3Customs values.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Source: United States Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program
See also: Graphite statistics | Mineral commodity prices