Sri Lanka poised to benefit from demand surge for ‘non-China origin’ graphite

Pic courtesy: Ceylon Graphite

• IPS research show SL stands to benefit from global trend towards electric vehicles 
• SL’s commitment to sustainability and quality standards places it strategically in the non-China graphite export market

Sri Lanka, renowned for its high-quality vein graphite, is poised to benefit from the increasing demand for “non-China origin” graphite driven by the global push towards electromobility and the US Green Industrial Policy, the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) said.

The US’ strategic move to adopt a proactive green industrial policy, driven by the imperative to achieve net-zero emissions and national security concerns, presents fresh opportunities for graphite producers outside of China, a publication titled ‘Trade Wars in Electric Vehicle Supply Chains: A Win for Sri Lanka’s Graphite Industry?’ revealed.
“The Partial Equilibrium modeling results indicate that Sri Lanka holds a strategic advantage in the emerging market. Sri Lanka’s vein graphite, known for its purity, flawless crystal structure, and strong electrical conductivity, stands out as an ideal choice for the growing global demand,” the study, authored Dr. Asanka Wijesinghe, Malisha Weerasinghe and Chaya Dissanayake revealed.

Despite facing challenges in terms of cost competitiveness, Sri Lanka’s focus on sustainable practices, minimal environmental impact, and compliance with acceptable labour standards positions it as a key player in the evolving landscape of “non-China” graphite exports.
Additionally, Sri Lanka possesses a comparative advantage in graphite production and benefits from an established mining sector with an existing consumer base. 
Increased demand will partially help Sri Lanka by increasing the world market price of graphite in the future. However, the productivity of the mining sector needs to be increased to lower the unit cost, to benefit from emerging global opportunities. 

The study underscores that Sri Lanka’s most promising opportunities lie in the upstream segment, particularly in the mining and processing of graphite into battery-grade material. Leveraging its growing trade relationships with ASEAN nations and exploring mineral trade agreements with the US, Sri Lanka can attract investments to further boost its mining sector. 
According to the study, there is a need for proactive steps to navigate potential logistical challenges, given the concentration of global EV battery manufacturing in select economies.