Global Natural Graphite Net Importers (imports minus exports) include Japan, U.S., Germany, India, South Korea, Malaysia and Turkey. Although India is a major producer of natural graphite, it imports more than in exports. Canada has historically imported more natural graphite from the U.S. than it exported to the U.S.

The Net Exporters (exports minus imports) are dominated by China. Brazil is also a major exporter. Mexico only exports amorphous graphite, while Zimbabwe, Ukraine and Madagascar have increasing exports of flake graphite.

U.S. Imports Natural Graphite predominantly from China and Mexico, however all Mexico imports are of amorphous graphite, not flake. Imports from China and Mexico have been decreasing over the past 6 years, while imports of flake graphite from Brazil and Madagascar have been increasing.

Exports from China are expected to decrease globally as the country tightens environmental regulations and keeps the raw material in-house for value-added battery production. It is rumored that China may become a net importer in the near future.

U.S. Graphite Trade with Canada has shifted from large imports of natural graphite to the U.S. (12 kT in 2012) to a balanced market recently (~9 kT for both imports and exports in 2017).

With Canadian graphite production having nearly disappeared, the dependence on imports from abroad is expected to grow unless new sources in North America are brought on line.