Industry Overview - The artificial graphite industry in China is experiencing robust growth driven by the global energy revolution and industrial upgrades, with a market size projected to reach 43.8 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 6.83% [1][11] - The demand for lithium battery anode materials is the primary driver of market expansion, with an expected shipment volume of 2.08 million tons in 2024, of which artificial graphite accounts for 87% [1][11] - High-end manufacturing sectors, such as aerospace and semiconductors, are steadily increasing their demand for specialty graphite, pushing the product structure towards higher value-added transformations [1][11] Industry Development History - The development of the artificial graphite industry in China has gone through five stages, starting from the late 19th century with the invention of artificial graphite electrodes [5][6] - The industry saw significant advancements in the 1970s with the successful development of high-power and ultra-high-power graphite electrodes, enhancing conductivity and corrosion resistance [5][6] - The rapid growth phase from the early 21st century to 2010 was marked by increased demand from steel and aluminum industries, leading to the domestic production of artificial graphite [6][7] Market Size - The market size of the artificial graphite industry in China is expected to reach 43.8 billion yuan in 2024, with a year-on-year growth of 6.83% [1][11] - The shipment volume of lithium battery anode materials is projected to be 2.08 million tons in 2024, with artificial graphite comprising 87% of this volume [1][11] Key Enterprises - The industry has formed a competitive landscape characterized by a few leading companies, such as BETTERRY and SANYO, which dominate the high-end market due to their technological advantages and global presence [17][19] - BETTERRY has maintained its position as the global leader in anode material shipments for 15 consecutive years, with a projected shipment volume of 345,000 tons in 2024 [19] - SANYO has established a production capacity of 700,000 tons of anode materials in China and is expanding its operations in Finland [21] Industry Trends - The artificial graphite industry is undergoing a wave of technological innovation, with companies increasing R&D investments to overcome key process bottlenecks [23][24] - Vertical integration is becoming a mainstream trend, with companies like BETTERRY and SANYO achieving full industry chain coverage from graphite mining to anode material processing [24][25] - The transition to green and low-carbon practices is becoming a mandatory requirement, with policies pushing for energy-efficient production processes and the establishment of green supply chains [26]