U.S. Imports For Consumption Of Synthetic Graphite, By Country Or Locality

This table presents detailed data on the quantities and customs values of synthetic graphite imported into the United States from various countries and localities for consumption. Synthetic graphite is a critical industrial material used in applications ranging from batteries and refractories to lubricants and electronics. Tracking import sources and volumes is essential for understanding supply chain dynamics, assessing market dependencies, and guiding economic and trade policies, especially given the strategic importance of synthetic graphite in emerging technologies such as electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.

Analysis of the data reveals that total U.S. imports of synthetic graphite decreased from 151,000 metric tons valued at $634 million in 2022 to 124,000 metric tons valued at $575 million in 2023. China remains the dominant supplier, though its shipments declined from 88,600 to 75,100 metric tons, with a corresponding drop in value from $348 million to $319 million. Canada showed a significant increase in quantity, more than doubling from 2,660 to 5,850 metric tons, and its import value rose from $7.05 million to $8.44 million, indicating growing reliance on this source. Conversely, imports from Mexico decreased notably from 27,600 to 18,900 metric tons, though the value remained relatively stable. Other notable trends include increased imports from the Republic of Korea, rising from 2,210 to 3,280 metric tons, and Germany, which saw a quantity increase from 886 to 1,240 metric tons alongside a substantial value jump from $13.9 million to $21.9 million. Several countries, including Austria, Belgium, and the United Kingdom, experienced sharp declines in both quantity and value, reflecting shifting trade patterns in the synthetic graphite market.