Carbon: Sourcing, Types, and Applications for Industrial Buyers


As global demand for industrial materials grows, carbon remains a critical component across manufacturing sectors. This guide provides practical insights for buyers looking to source reliable carbon products from China - the world's leading supplier of industrial chemicals.


How to Find Reliable Carbon from China in 2025


China dominates global carbon production, offering competitive pricing without compromising quality. When sourcing:

  • Verify supplier certifications (ISO 9001, REACH compliance)
  • Request third-party lab test reports
  • Check minimum order quantities (MOQs typically 1-5 tons)
  • Confirm lead times (usually 2-4 weeks for standard grades)

Top industrial zones for carbon production include Shandong, Henan, and Jiangsu provinces, where over 60% of China's carbon manufacturers operate.


What Buyers Should Know Before Buying Carbon from China


Key considerations include:

  • Shipping costs (carbon is heavy - factor in bulk container rates)
  • Import duties (varies by country, typically 3-8%)
  • Payment terms (30% deposit is standard)
  • Quality control (insist on pre-shipment inspection)

Case Study: A German automotive parts manufacturer reduced material costs by 22% after switching to a verified Chinese carbon supplier, maintaining identical technical specifications.


Types of Carbon


Major industrial variants include:

TypePurityCommon Uses
Graphite90-99.9%Lubricants, batteries
Carbon Black97-99%Tires, plastics
Activated Carbon85-95%Water filtration

Functions and features of Carbon


Carbon's unique properties make it indispensable:

  • High thermal conductivity (3-5 times better than copper)
  • Excellent electrical conductivity
  • Temperature resistance (up to 3,000°C in inert atmospheres)
  • Chemical inertness

Scenarios of Carbon


Industrial applications span:

  • Energy: Battery anodes (graphite demand grew 35% in 2023)
  • Manufacturing: Steel production (1kg carbon needed per 2kg steel)
  • Environmental: Air/water purification systems

How to Choose Carbon


Selection criteria:

  1. Define technical specifications (ash content, particle size)
  2. Compare bulk pricing (typically $800-$2,500/ton)
  3. Evaluate supplier production capacity
  4. Review after-sales support

Carbon Q & A


Q: What's the lead time for carbon orders from China?
A: Standard orders ship within 15-20 days; expedited options available.


Q: How do Chinese carbon prices compare globally?
A: Typically 15-30% lower than European/North American suppliers.


Q: What packaging options exist for bulk carbon?
A: 25kg bags, 1-ton super sacks, or loose bulk containers.


Q: Can I get customized carbon specifications?
A: Yes, most Chinese manufacturers offer tailored particle sizes and purity levels.


Q: What's the minimum order quantity?
A: MOQs start at 500kg for standard grades.