Top 10 Graphite Producing Countries in 2025: A Comprehensive Analysis
Graphite, a crystalline form of carbon, is a critical mineral in modern industries, particularly in the production of lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs), energy storage systems, and consumer electronics. Its unique properties-high electrical and thermal conductivity, strength, and lubricity-make it essential for applications ranging from battery anodes to refractories and lubricants. As global demand for graphite surges, driven by the transition to clean energy and technological advances, understanding the key players in graphite production is essential for stakeholders in the mining, energy, and manufacturing sectors.
This article examines the top 10 graphite-producing countries in 2025, based on the latest available data, primarily from the US Geological Survey (USGS) and other reputable sources. It provides detailed insights into production volumes, reserves, key projects and market trends, supported by numerical data and visualizations to enhance understanding. The analysis reflects production estimates for 2024, as 2025 data may still be projections, and highlights the strategic importance of graphite to the global economy.
Global Graphite Market Overview
Global natural graphite production is estimated at 1.6 million metric tons (MT) in 2023, down slightly from 1.68 million MT in 2022, reflecting fluctuations in mine production and market dynamics. The global graphite market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9% from 2025 to 2032, reaching a value of US$13.35 billion by 2032, driven by increasing demand from the battery and refractory industries. The growing adoption of electric vehicles, with demand for lithium-ion batteries expected to increase sevenfold by 2030, underscores the critical role of graphite.
China dominates the global graphite market, accounting for approximately 78% of natural graphite production in 2024. However, countries such as Madagascar, Mozambique, and Brazil are emerging as significant producers, diversifying the supply chain amid concerns about China’s export restrictions and geopolitical risks. Below, we rank the top 10 graphite-producing countries based on 2024 production data, with projections for 2025 trends, and provide insights into their reserves, mining operations, and strategic developments.
Top 10 Graphite Producing Countries in 2025
1. China
- Production (2024): 1.27 million MT
- Reserves: 81 million MT
- Share of global production: ~78%.
China remains the undisputed leader in graphite production, producing 1.27 million MT in 2024, accounting for approximately 78% of global supply. The country’s dominance is supported by its vast reserves, mainly in Heilongjiang and Shandong provinces, with major mines such as the Jixi Aoyu and Jixi Liumao operations. Approximately 85% of China’s production is flake graphite, which is critical for lithium-ion battery anodes. Despite environmental regulations that led to plant closures in Shandong, China’s rapid post-COVID-19 recovery and technological advancements have maintained its stranglehold on the market. In 2024, China exported 38,200 tons of flake graphite concentrate, down 25% from 2023 due to tighter export controls. In 2025, production is expected to stabilize or increase slightly, driven by domestic EV demand and global export demand.
2. Madagascar
- Production (2024): 89,000 MT
- Reserves: 27 million MT
- Share of world production: ~5.5%.
Madagascar has risen to become the second largest graphite producer, with production increasing from 63,000 MT in 2023 to 89,000 MT in 2024. The country’s high-quality flake graphite, concentrated in the Ambatun Drazaka region, is attracting significant foreign investment. Key projects such as NextSource Materials’ Molo graphite mine, which will begin commercial production in June 2023, are driving growth. Madagascar’s strategic focus on scaling up production to meet global battery demand positions it as a key player in 2025, with potential production approaching 100,000 MT.
3. Mozambique
- Production (2024): 75,000 MT
- Reserves: 25 million MT
- Share of global production: ~4.7%.
Mozambique ranks third, producing 75,000 MT in 2024, down 24% from 2023 due to production adjustments at major mines such as Syrah Resources’ Balama project, the world’s largest integrated graphite operation. The Balama mine produces 23 natural graphite products across eight mesh sizes, serving both battery and specialty markets. Mozambique’s high-quality crystalline graphite and improving infrastructure make it a key supplier, with production expected to rebound in 2025 as global demand stabilizes.
4. Brazil
- Production (2024): 73,000 MT
- Reserves: 74 million MT
- Share of world production: ~4.6%.
Brazil, with the second largest graphite reserves in the world, produced 73,000 MT in 2024. The country’s crystalline graphite, primarily from Minas Gerais, is mined by private companies such as Nacional de Graphite. Projects like South Star Battery Metals’ Santa Cruz mine, which is scheduled to begin commercial production in 2023, are strengthening Brazil’s role in the global supply chain. In 2025, Brazil is expected to maintain steady production, leveraging its vast reserves to meet growing demand.
5. South Korea
- Production (2024): 27,000 MT
- Reserves: Not specified
- Share of global production: ~1.7%.
South Korea’s graphite production will increase to 27,000 MT in 2024, driven by government investments to reduce reliance on Chinese imports and strengthen its EV battery industry. The country’s advanced processing capabilities produce high-value graphite products for electronics and batteries. By 2025, production is expected to increase slightly as South Korea aims to lead the global EV battery market.
6. RUSSIA
- Production (2024): 16,000 MT
- Reserves: Not specified
- Share of world production: ~1%.
Russia produced 16,000 MT of graphite in 2024, supported by its vast mineral resources. Projects such as Dalgrafit and Uralgraphite are expected to boost production in the coming years. Geopolitical constraints may limit export growth, but domestic demand for industrial applications will support production in 2025.
7. India
- Production (2024): 11,500 MT
- Reserves: Not specified
- Share of world production: ~0.7%.
India’s graphite production will reach 11,500 MT in 2024, with production concentrated in Odisha, Jharkhand, and Kerala. The country produces both flake and amorphous graphite, with major producers such as Tirupati Carbons & Chemicals driving growth. India’s competitive export prices ($650-700/tonne vs. global $1,400/tonne) position it as an emerging supplier in 2025.
8. North Korea
- Production (2024): 8,100 MT
- Reserves: 1.8 million MT
- Share of world production: ~0.5%.
North Korea’s graphite production will remain stable at 8,100 MT in 2024. Limited information is available due to the country’s secretive nature, but its reserves support steady production. Production is expected to remain steady through 2025, with minimal impact on global markets due to trade restrictions.
9. Norway
- Production (2024): 7,200 MT
- Reserves: Not specified
- Share of world production: ~0.4%.
Norway produces 7,200 MT in 2024, down from 10,000 MT in 2022, with its main mines in Scandinavia known for high-quality flake graphite. Norway’s focus on sustainable mining practices supports its role as a reliable supplier, with production expected to stabilize in 2025.
10. Tanzania
- Production (2024): 6,000 MT
- Reserves: Not specified
- Share of Global Production: ~0.4%
Tanzania’s emerging graphite sector produced 6,000 MT in 2024, driven by projects like BlackRock Mining’s Mahenge and Volt Resources’ Bunyu. With significant exploration and development, Tanzania’s output is projected to grow in 2025, supported by foreign investment and infrastructure improvements.
Data Visualization: Graphite Production by Country
The following table summarizes the 2024 production and reserves of the top 10 graphite-producing countries, providing a clear snapshot of their contributions to the global market.
Country | 2024 Production (MT) | Reserves (MT) | Share of Global Production (%) |
China | 1,270,000 | 81,000,000 | 78.0 |
Madagascar | 89,000 | 27,000,000 | 5.5 |
Mozambique | 75,000 | 25,000,000 | 4.7 |
Brazil | 73,000 | 74,000,000 | 4.6 |
South Korea | 27,000 | Not specified | 1.7 |
Russia | 16,000 | Not specified | 1.0 |
India | 11,500 | Not specified | 0.7 |
North Korea | 8,100 | 1,800,000 | 0.5 |
Norway | 7,200 | Not specified | 0.4 |
Tanzania | 6,000 | Not specified | 0.4 |
Source: US Geological Survey, 2024
Graphite Production by Country 2024
Key trends and challenges in 2025
Rising demand and supply constraints
The global graphite market faces a projected supply deficit of 777,000 MT by 2030, driven by EV battery demand, which is expected to account for over 50% of natural graphite consumption in 2025. To meet this demand, an estimated $12 billion of investment and 97 new mines will be required by 2035. China’s export restrictions, implemented in October 2023, have intensified efforts to diversify supply chains, with countries such as Madagascar, Mozambique, and Tanzania ramping up production.
Geopolitical and environmental considerations
China’s dominance raises concerns about supply chain security, particularly for Western nations seeking to reduce dependence through initiatives such as the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act. Environmental regulations in China and sustainable mining practices in countries such as Norway and India are shaping production strategies. For example, natural graphite anodes are 55% less carbon intensive than synthetic graphite, influencing production preferences.
Emerging producers
Countries such as Tanzania and Canada are poised for growth, with projects such as the Mahenge and La Loutre mines expected to boost production in 2025. Canada, with reserves of 5.9 million mt, is a notable contender, although its production in 2024 was minimal. These emerging producers will play a critical role in balancing global supply.
Strategic Implications for 2025
The graphite market in 2025 will be shaped by the interplay of rising demand, supply diversification, and geopolitical dynamics. China’s continued dominance, coupled with its export controls, will push other countries to accelerate mine development and exploration. Madagascar and Mozambique, with their high-grade deposits and growing infrastructure, are well positioned to gain market share. Brazil’s vast reserves and India’s competitive pricing further enhance their strategic importance.
Investors and policymakers must prioritize sustainable mining practices and strategic partnerships to secure graphite supplies. For example, the U.S. and EU are investing in domestic production and alliances with African and South American producers to mitigate the risks associated with China’s market control. In addition, advances in graphite recycling and alternative anode materials, such as silicon, may affect long-term demand but are unlikely to significantly displace graphite by 2025.
Conclusion
The top 10 graphite-producing countries in 2025, led by China, Madagascar and Mozambique, are critical to meeting the growing demand for lithium-ion batteries and other industrial applications. With global production at 1.6 million MT in 2023 and projected growth in 2025, the industry faces both opportunities and challenges. Diversifying supply chains, investing in new projects, and addressing environmental concerns will be key to ensuring a stable graphite market. The data and visualizations provided highlight the dominance of a few key players and the potential for emerging producers to reshape the global landscape in the coming years.
