Stanford University research highlights the need for US policy support to strengthen graphite active anode materials supply chains

Researchers at Stanford University recently published a paper analysing the production cost differences between the US and China for graphite active anode materials. They found that production costs in the US are about 100-200% higher than those in China. The research confirmed that US policy support, such as the implementation of anti-dumping and countervailing duties, is necessary to improve the competitiveness of graphite production outside China and reduce the risks of overreliance on Chinese supply. The authors noted that China produces over 92% of the graphite used for battery anodes, posing a significant supply risk to consumers and nations across the world.

The paper suggested a number of pathways to reduce production costs in the US. Aside from some longer-term R&D-driven process improvements, the authors also encourage policy levers that either provide a sustained price premium to China prices or offer low-cost financing to reduce capital costs for US producers.

Syrah aims to be the first major integrated ex-China producer of natural graphite active anode material for electric vehicle batteries. Syrah's owns and operates the large-scale, vertically integrated AAM production facility in Vidalia, Louisiana that will supply the US battery supply chain.

The research paper can be found here:

https://arxiv.org/abs/2503.21521