Strengthening Supply Chains: A Reliable Alternative for Foundry Carbon Amid Rising Tensions with China

The global supply chain for foundries and steel producers is facing new challenges. International tensions and potential tariff wars are creating uncertainty around product availability and pricing. While many ferro-alloys have diverse sources around the world, a critical material for foundries – carbon products – comes primarily from one country: China. This includes anthracite, petroleum coke, and natural graphite (both natural and synthetic).

Over 70% of the carbon products used by U.S. foundries come from China, leaving them in a vulnerable position if China restricts exports. This concern is heightened by China’s recent actions of limiting exports of key minerals for semiconductors and EV batteries to the U.S.

Introducing a Domestic Alternative: Syrah Resources and Hiller Carbon

Fortunately, there’s a reliable alternative for U.S. foundries: Syrah Resources and Hiller Carbon. Syrah Resources is the first vertically integrated natural graphite anode producer in the United States, with a processing plant in Louisiana. They also have graphite mines in Mozambique, Africa.

Hiller Carbon, a trusted supplier to the steel industry for decades, has partnered with Syrah Resources to purchase the fine material left over from graphite processing. Hiller then pelletizes these fines into a high-quality product for foundries and steel mills.

Benefits of Hiller Natural Graphite Pellets

• Consistent chemistry: Ensures reliable and predictable performance in your foundry operations.
• Very low sulfur and nitrogen content: Ideal for ductile iron applications and minimizes the risk of nitrogen-related defects in gray iron castings.
• Lowers solution temperature: Offers potential energy savings in your foundry.
• Available nationwide: Hiller maintains stock in the U.S.

Mitigating Risk with a Non-China Source

The current geopolitical climate underscores the importance of diversifying your supply chain for critical materials like carbon. Hiller Natural Graphite Pellets offer a secure and reliable alternative to Chinese imports, reducing your foundry’s vulnerability to potential export restrictions.

Partner with Midvale Industries to Secure Your Supply

Midvale Industries, a stocking distributor for Hiller Carbon, can provide additional information about Hiller products and help you test and qualify this domestic alternative. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you incorporate Hiller Natural Graphite Pellets into your operations and safeguard your supply chain.