【Artificial Graphite】Export Surge? Total Exports Reached 145,600 Tons, Up 10.5% YoY

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【Artificial Graphite】Export Surge? Total Exports Reached 145,600 Tons, Up 10.5% YoY

2026 Q1 Artificial Graphite Export Analysis

In Q1 2026, total exports of artificial graphite and its products reached approximately 145,600 tons, representing a year-on-year increase of 10.5%. "Other artificial graphite" remained the absolute dominant category, accounting for 86% of total exports.

Among them, surface-treated spherical graphite increased by 25.7% year-on-year and surged 79.1% quarter-on-quarter, with March alone accounting for 53% of the quarterly export volume. Colloidal or semi-colloidal graphite recorded a total quarterly volume of only 46.5 tons, up 26.0% year-on-year but down 36.5% quarter-on-quarter, with fluctuations having no substantial impact. Other artificial graphite increased by 8.3% year-on-year and slightly decreased by 4.7% quarter-on-quarter, remaining overall stable.

In March 2026, the top three export destinations for artificial graphite were Japan (11,600 tons), India (5,656.60 tons), and South Korea (5,213.19 tons).

2026 Q1 Artificial Graphite Export Ranking

In Q1 2026, Japan ranked first with 25,500 tons, accounting for 17.5% of total exports, up 39.2% year-on-year, as a traditional powerhouse in anode material production.

India ranked second with 18,700 tons, accounting for 12.8% of total exports, up 9.4% year-on-year, maintaining steady growth.

The Netherlands ranked third with 12,800 tons, accounting for 8.8% of total exports, with a year-on-year change of -226.4%, showing comprehensive growth, as Europe is accelerating the development of its local battery industry chain.

The United States: exports dropped sharply to 1,269 tons, down 94.7% year-on-year, falling out of the top ten. The main reasons include additional tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Chinese graphite products and supply chain de-risking policies.

2026 Q1 China Provincial Export Ranking

In Q1 2026, Guangdong Province ranked first with exports of 26,400 tons, accounting for 18.1% of the total, down 36.0% year-on-year. Although it remained in first place, its share declined significantly.

Shandong Province ranked second with 16,600 tons, accounting for 11.4% of the total, down 3.2% year-on-year, showing stable performance.

Hainan Province ranked third with 15,200 tons, accounting for 10.5% of the total. Benefiting from Hainan Free Trade Port policies (such as zero tariffs and streamlined customs clearance), a large number of trading enterprises have gathered there, making it a new export hub.

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