Qingdao Haida Graphite: Inside China’s Graphite Industry
Interviewee:
Na Liu
General Manager
Qingdao Haida Graphite Co., Ltd.
Interviewer:
Harry Minnis
Founder
GraphiteHub
Could you briefly introduce Qingdao Haida Graphite, including its production capacity, core business, and market positioning?
Haida Graphite was established in 1993 and currently operates nine production subsidiaries with over 1,300 employees, including more than 300 senior technical staff. The company specializes in producing flake graphite, expandable graphite, pencil leads, spherical graphite, anode materials, and graphitized recarburizers.
Haida integrates the entire graphite supply chain, from mining to deep processing, positioning itself as a comprehensive graphite materials supplier. With a commitment to innovation and high-quality products, as well as a mature and stable after-sales service system, Haida has earned widespread customer recognition. Its products are widely exported to China, South Korea, Japan, the United States, Australia, and various European countries.
What is the current situation regarding graphite mining and processing in China?
China accounts for about 50% of the global graphite mining and processing market, with key production regions including Shandong, Heilongjiang, and Inner Mongolia.
With the rapid growth of the new energy industry, what do you see as the biggest challenges facing the global graphite supply chain?
As the new energy industry grows, demand for natural graphite is expected to rise due to its environmental benefits and lower carbon emissions. However, different regions produce graphite with varying characteristics, making them suitable for different applications. Additionally, the global graphite supply chain faces geopolitical risks, trade barriers, and other challenges.
Graphite prices are at historically low levels, presenting challenges for producers. What do you see as the key factors behind this slump, and how are Chinese companies managing operations to stay competitive?
The graphite market downturn is mainly driven by supply and demand dynamics. China, the world’s largest producer and consumer of graphite, has experienced a slowdown in its real estate and steel industries, while international trade barriers have further dampened demand. Meanwhile, increasing investment in the graphite industry has altered the supply-demand balance, contributing to lower prices. To stay competitive, Chinese graphite companies are upgrading their technology and equipment, improving production efficiency, and developing new application areas for graphite materials.
Additionally, what potential catalysts might drive a recovery in prices?
Potential factors that could drive prices higher include the elimination of inefficient production capacity, market adjustments, and increased demand from the new energy sector.
What is Haidas current presence in overseas markets? Are there plans to invest in manufacturing facilities or expand partnerships outside China?
While focusing on the Chinese market, Haida is also actively exploring overseas mines and processing facilities. As a company committed to globalization, Haida leverages its technological expertise and talent to invest in graphite production abroad and seeks to establish partnerships for global market expansion.
What advice would you offer to overseas graphite companies (e.g., African or Canadian mining companies) looking to collaborate with Chinese companies?
It is crucial to find an experienced, technologically advanced, and well-established partner.
What are your predictions for the global graphite market over the next 5 to 10 years?
As the global new energy industry continues to expand, new application areas for graphite will emerge, driving increasing demand. Graphite mining in Africa, North America, and South America is expected to grow, leading to a more diversified supply landscape and accelerating changes in the graphite market.