Graphite; natural, in powder or in flakes

HS code 250410 covers natural graphite, a versatile and essential mineral used in a wide range of industries. Graphite is a naturally occurring form of carbon that is valued for its unique properties, including high thermal and electrical conductivity, as well as its resistance to heat and chemical reactions. This code encompasses both graphite in powder form and in flakes, which have slightly different applications and processing requirements. The graphite industry plays a crucial role in supporting various manufacturing sectors, from steel production to the growing battery and electronics markets.

Natural graphite is primarily extracted from graphite mines through open-pit or underground mining techniques. The mined graphite is then processed to remove impurities and refine the material into the desired powder or flake form. This typically involves a series of crushing, screening, and purification steps, such as flotation or chemical treatment, to achieve the required purity and particle size distribution.

The main inputs for the graphite industry include the raw graphite ore, which is the primary source material. Additionally, the production process may require various chemicals, equipment, and energy sources, such as electricity or fuel, to power the mining, processing, and refining operations. Specialized machinery, such as crushers, mills, and flotation cells, are also essential for the efficient extraction and transformation of the natural graphite.

The primary outputs of HS code 250410 are natural graphite powders and flakes, which find applications in a diverse range of industries. These graphite products are commonly used in the manufacturing of 854211 refractory materials, 851780 electrical and electronic components, 840720 automotive parts, and 854511 batteries. The versatility of graphite also makes it a valuable input for 680221 lubricants, 900190 optical components, and 854890 various industrial applications.