SGL Carbon secures natural graphite supply chains through diversification and remains a reliable partner for its customers

  • SGL Carbon's supply chain for natural graphite flakes secured through broad and international positioning
  • Stricter Chinese export control regulations do not affect delivery capability

The supply capability of SGL Carbon, a leading international supplier of carbon-based solutions, will not be restricted by China's stricter export control regulations for certain natural graphite materials and products, which came into force on December 1, 2024.

The main reason for the change is the Chinese government's new dual-use export regulations for deliveries to the United States. The export of dual-use goods to military end users or for military purposes is now generally prohibited. In addition, the export of gallium, germanium, antimony and superhard materials to the USA has been banned. For graphite, more detailed checks are being carried out on end users and end use.

However, the familiar export license application process, which is also used for the export of certain synthetic and natural graphite products from China, including natural graphite flakes, remains unchanged.

Fully committed to securing robust and seamless supply chains

SGL Carbon has more than 50 years of experience in the production of flexible graphite products and solutions. These include graphite foil, foil yarns and reinforced sealing sheets. The company uses natural graphite for their production. 

"We are closely monitoring developments on the natural graphite market and are in close contact with our suppliers. After all, security of supply for our raw material requirements and safeguarding our supply chains are a fundamental part of our purchasing strategy," says Benjamin Herb, Head of Procurement at SGL Carbon.

SGL Carbon sources high-quality flake graphite not only from China but also from a broad and diversified supplier base in various regions of the world, including North and South America and  Africa. This broad supplier base ensures a continuous supply chain.

"Our dedicated, multifunctional and global team works continuously to secure the supply chain for the natural graphite flakes we need and to ensure a seamless supply," says Olympia Riehl, Head of Business Line Expanded Graphite at SGL Carbon. "In addition, our two production sites in Germany and the USA strengthen our position as a reliable partner for our customers."

No problems expected with supply

Demand for graphite products manufactured outside of China has increased significantly over the past twelve months. This is now expected to grow even further. "The Chinese government's decision to tighten export regulations is likely to lead to slightly longer approval processes," says Benjamin Herb. "We are experienced in sourcing export-controlled raw materials and always support our customers in ensuring their natural graphite-based product supply in 2025 and beyond."

SGL Carbon is constantly working to secure the graphite supply chains and maintain product quality. Further information is available online at www.sigraflex.com. The experts for flexible graphite are at your service worldwide: sigraflex@remove-this.sglcarbon.com

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Claudia Kellert
Head of Investor Relations, Communications and Corporate Sustainability

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