Key Insights
The expandable graphite market, valued at approximately $XX million in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by increasing demand from diverse sectors. A compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.64% from 2025 to 2033 indicates a significant expansion of this market over the forecast period. Key drivers include the rising adoption of expandable graphite in various applications like battery manufacturing, sealants, and fire retardants. The automotive industry, particularly electric vehicles, significantly fuels this demand due to expandable graphite's crucial role in enhancing battery performance and safety. Furthermore, advancements in material science and the development of high-performance expandable graphite are expected to further propel market growth. Growth is also expected to be influenced by factors such as increasing government regulations promoting fire safety and environmental concerns driving the adoption of sustainable materials. However, price fluctuations in raw materials and the availability of substitute materials pose potential restraints.
Expandable Graphite Market Market Size (In Million)
Leading players such as GrafTech International Ltd, SGL Carbon, and others are strategically focusing on research and development, capacity expansion, and geographical diversification to consolidate their market positions. Competition is expected to intensify as new entrants emerge, leading to innovation and improved product offerings. Regional variations in market growth are likely, with regions exhibiting higher industrial growth and stringent safety regulations expected to witness accelerated adoption of expandable graphite. The market segmentation will likely evolve with a focus on enhancing product performance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. This makes the expandable graphite market a dynamic and lucrative space for investment and innovation.
Expandable Graphite Market Company Market Share
Expandable Graphite Market: A Comprehensive Report (2019-2033)
This in-depth report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Expandable Graphite market, offering valuable insights for industry professionals, investors, and strategic decision-makers. Covering the period from 2019 to 2033, with a base year of 2025 and a forecast period of 2025-2033, this study unveils market trends, growth drivers, challenges, and opportunities within this dynamic sector. The report's detailed segmentation and competitive landscape analysis empowers businesses to make informed decisions and capitalize on emerging market trends. The total market size is projected to reach xx Million by 2033.
Expandable Graphite Market Structure & Innovation Trends
The Expandable Graphite market exhibits a moderately concentrated structure, with key players holding significant market share. While precise figures are proprietary to the full report, analysis reveals a dynamic landscape shaped by continuous innovation and strategic mergers & acquisitions (M&A). The market is characterized by a blend of established players like GrafTech International Ltd and SGL Carbon, alongside emerging companies focusing on specialized applications.
- Market Concentration: The top 5 players account for approximately xx% of the global market share (2024 data).
- Innovation Drivers: Demand for high-performance materials in diverse industries fuels innovation, particularly in areas like improved thermal stability, enhanced expansion properties, and tailored particle size distributions.
- Regulatory Frameworks: Environmental regulations regarding graphite mining and processing influence production costs and sustainability practices.
- Product Substitutes: Limited viable substitutes exist for expandable graphite in its core applications, ensuring market resilience.
- End-User Demographics: Key end-use sectors include automotive, construction, fire protection, and electronics, each demonstrating unique growth trajectories.
- M&A Activities: Recent M&A activity, including deals valued at xx Million, has reshaped the competitive landscape and accelerated technological advancements. For example, the partnership between Nordmann and Shijiazhuang ADT Carbonic Material Factory expands product portfolios and geographical reach.
Expandable Graphite Market Dynamics & Trends
The Expandable Graphite market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing demand across diverse end-use sectors. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) during the forecast period (2025-2033) is estimated at xx%, propelled by several key factors. Market penetration in emerging economies, particularly in Asia, is a significant contributor to this expansion. Technological advancements, such as the development of high-purity expandable graphite, further fuel market growth. Furthermore, growing consumer preference for lightweight and high-performance materials in various applications, such as electric vehicles and fire-retardant materials, is positively impacting market dynamics. The competitive landscape is characterized by both intense rivalry among established players and the emergence of innovative start-ups.
Dominant Regions & Segments in Expandable Graphite Market
Asia-Pacific currently dominates the Expandable Graphite market, driven by substantial manufacturing activities and high demand from various end-use sectors. China, in particular, plays a significant role due to its extensive graphite reserves and robust manufacturing base.
- Key Drivers in Asia-Pacific:
- Favorable government policies supporting industrial growth.
- Expanding automotive and electronics industries.
- Robust infrastructure development.
- Dominance Analysis: The region's dominance stems from a combination of factors, including the availability of raw materials, cost-effective manufacturing capabilities, and a large consumer base. The relatively lower cost of production in Asia-Pacific compared to other regions has also fueled its market leadership.
Expandable Graphite Market Product Innovations
Recent advancements in expandable graphite technology include the development of novel grades with enhanced expansion ratios, improved thermal stability, and tailored particle size distributions. These innovations cater to the growing demand for high-performance materials in applications requiring specialized properties. This has led to the expansion of expandable graphite into new applications like advanced battery technologies and high-performance composites, creating competitive advantages for manufacturers.
Report Scope & Segmentation Analysis
This report segments the expandable graphite market by various parameters including:
- By Type: Natural Graphite, Synthetic Graphite, other types (xx Million)
- By Application: Sealants & Gaskets, Fire Retardants, Battery materials, Other applications (xx Million)
- By End-use Industry: Automotive, Construction, Electronics, Packaging, and other sectors. (xx Million)
- By Region: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East & Africa.
Each segment shows unique growth trajectories, with specific applications and regions exhibiting higher growth potential than others. Competitive dynamics within each segment are also analyzed, revealing opportunities and challenges for various players.
Key Drivers of Expandable Graphite Market Growth
Several factors are driving the expansion of the Expandable Graphite market:
- Technological Advancements: The development of higher-quality expandable graphite with improved properties is a key driver.
- Rising Demand from End-Use Sectors: Growth in automotive, electronics, and construction fuels demand for expandable graphite.
- Government Regulations: Stringent safety and environmental regulations in several countries are boosting the demand for fire-retardant materials containing expandable graphite.
Challenges in the Expandable Graphite Market Sector
The expandable graphite market faces several challenges:
- Price Volatility of Raw Materials: Fluctuations in graphite prices can impact the profitability of manufacturers.
- Supply Chain Disruptions: Geopolitical events and natural disasters can disrupt supply chains, leading to production delays.
- Intense Competition: The market is highly competitive, with numerous players vying for market share.
Emerging Opportunities in Expandable Graphite Market
Several emerging opportunities exist for growth:
- Expansion into New Applications: The exploration of new applications, such as in advanced battery technologies and high-performance composites.
- Development of Sustainable Production Methods: The demand for environmentally friendly manufacturing processes creates opportunities for innovative businesses.
- Growth in Emerging Markets: The increasing demand in developing economies presents a significant growth potential.
Leading Players in the Expandable Graphite Market
- GrafTech International Ltd
- Nacional de Grafite
- NeoGraf Solution
- Northern Graphite
- Qingdao Black Dragon Graphite Group
- Qingdao Jinhui Graphite Co Ltd
- Qingdao YanXin Graphite Products Co LTD
- Sanyo Corporation
- SGL Carbon
- Shijiazhuang ADT Carbonic Material Factory
- Yichang Xincheng Graphite Co Ltd
- List Not Exhaustive
Key Developments in Expandable Graphite Market Industry
- July 2022: BlackEarth Minerals (BEM) partnered with Metachem to develop an expandable coarse flake graphite processing plant in India.
- May 2022: Nordmann partnered with China's ADT (Shijiazhuang ADT Carbonic Material Factory) to expand its product portfolio and geographical reach.
Future Outlook for Expandable Graphite Market
The Expandable Graphite market is poised for continued growth, driven by technological advancements, increasing demand from key end-use sectors, and expansion into new applications. Strategic partnerships and investments in research and development will further shape the market landscape, creating opportunities for innovation and expansion. The market is expected to witness a significant rise in demand, particularly in emerging economies, making it an attractive sector for both established players and new entrants.
Expandable Graphite Market Segmentation
-
1. Applications
- 1.1. Flame Retardant
- 1.2. Flexible Foils
- 1.3. Conductive Additives
- 1.4. Metallurgy
- 1.5. Graphene
Expandable Graphite Market Segmentation By Geography
-
1. Asia Pacific
- 1.1. China
- 1.2. India
- 1.3. Japan
- 1.4. South Korea
- 1.5. Rest of Asia Pacific
-
2. North America
- 2.1. United States
- 2.2. Canada
- 2.3. Mexico
-
3. Europe
- 3.1. Germany
- 3.2. United Kingdom
- 3.3. France
- 3.4. Italy
- 3.5. Rest of Europe
-
4. South America
- 4.1. Brazil
- 4.2. Argentina
- 4.3. Rest of South America
-
5. Middle East and Africa
- 5.1. South Africa
- 5.2. Saudi Arabia
- 5.3. Rest of Middle East and Africa
Expandable Graphite Market Regional Market Share
Geographic Coverage of Expandable Graphite Market
Expandable Graphite Market REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
| Aspects | Details |
|---|---|
| Study Period | 2020-2034 |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Estimated Year | 2026 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2034 |
| Historical Period | 2020-2025 |
| Growth Rate | CAGR of 7.64% from 2020-2034 |
| Segmentation |
|
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1. Research Scope
- 1.2. Market Segmentation
- 1.3. Research Methodology
- 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions
- 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Introduction
- 3. Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Introduction
- 3.2. Market Drivers
- 3.2.1. Increasing Adoption of Expandable Graphite as a Flame Retardant; Increasing Demand for Non-Halogenated Flame Retardants
- 3.3. Market Restrains
- 3.3.1. Increasing Adoption of Expandable Graphite as a Flame Retardant; Increasing Demand for Non-Halogenated Flame Retardants
- 3.4. Market Trends
- 3.4.1. The Flame Retardant Segment is Anticipated to Hold a Significant Share
- 4. Market Factor Analysis
- 4.1. Porters Five Forces
- 4.2. Supply/Value Chain
- 4.3. PESTEL analysis
- 4.4. Market Entropy
- 4.5. Patent/Trademark Analysis
- 5. Global Expandable Graphite Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2020-2032
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Applications
- 5.1.1. Flame Retardant
- 5.1.2. Flexible Foils
- 5.1.3. Conductive Additives
- 5.1.4. Metallurgy
- 5.1.5. Graphene
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Region
- 5.2.1. Asia Pacific
- 5.2.2. North America
- 5.2.3. Europe
- 5.2.4. South America
- 5.2.5. Middle East and Africa
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Applications
- 6. Asia Pacific Expandable Graphite Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2020-2032
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Applications
- 6.1.1. Flame Retardant
- 6.1.2. Flexible Foils
- 6.1.3. Conductive Additives
- 6.1.4. Metallurgy
- 6.1.5. Graphene
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Applications
- 7. North America Expandable Graphite Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2020-2032
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Applications
- 7.1.1. Flame Retardant
- 7.1.2. Flexible Foils
- 7.1.3. Conductive Additives
- 7.1.4. Metallurgy
- 7.1.5. Graphene
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Applications
- 8. Europe Expandable Graphite Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2020-2032
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Applications
- 8.1.1. Flame Retardant
- 8.1.2. Flexible Foils
- 8.1.3. Conductive Additives
- 8.1.4. Metallurgy
- 8.1.5. Graphene
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Applications
- 9. South America Expandable Graphite Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2020-2032
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Applications
- 9.1.1. Flame Retardant
- 9.1.2. Flexible Foils
- 9.1.3. Conductive Additives
- 9.1.4. Metallurgy
- 9.1.5. Graphene
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Applications
- 10. Middle East and Africa Expandable Graphite Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2020-2032
- 10.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Applications
- 10.1.1. Flame Retardant
- 10.1.2. Flexible Foils
- 10.1.3. Conductive Additives
- 10.1.4. Metallurgy
- 10.1.5. Graphene
- 10.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Applications
- 11. Competitive Analysis
- 11.1. Global Market Share Analysis 2025
- 11.2. Company Profiles
- 11.2.1 GrafTech International Ltd
- 11.2.1.1. Overview
- 11.2.1.2. Products
- 11.2.1.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.1.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.1.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.2 Nacional de Grafite
- 11.2.2.1. Overview
- 11.2.2.2. Products
- 11.2.2.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.2.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.2.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.3 NeoGraf Solution
- 11.2.3.1. Overview
- 11.2.3.2. Products
- 11.2.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.3.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.3.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.4 Northern Graphite
- 11.2.4.1. Overview
- 11.2.4.2. Products
- 11.2.4.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.4.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.4.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.5 Qingdao Black Dragon Graphite Group
- 11.2.5.1. Overview
- 11.2.5.2. Products
- 11.2.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.5.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.5.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.6 Qingdao Jinhui Graphite Co Ltd
- 11.2.6.1. Overview
- 11.2.6.2. Products
- 11.2.6.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.6.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.6.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.7 Qingdao YanXin Graphite Products Co LTD
- 11.2.7.1. Overview
- 11.2.7.2. Products
- 11.2.7.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.7.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.7.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.8 Sanyo Corporation
- 11.2.8.1. Overview
- 11.2.8.2. Products
- 11.2.8.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.8.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.8.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.9 SGL Carbon
- 11.2.9.1. Overview
- 11.2.9.2. Products
- 11.2.9.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.9.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.9.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.10 Shijiazhuang ADT Carbonic Material Factory
- 11.2.10.1. Overview
- 11.2.10.2. Products
- 11.2.10.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.10.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.10.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.11 Yichang Xincheng Graphite Co Ltd *List Not Exhaustive
- 11.2.11.1. Overview
- 11.2.11.2. Products
- 11.2.11.3. SWOT Analysis
- 11.2.11.4. Recent Developments
- 11.2.11.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 11.2.1 GrafTech International Ltd
List of Figures
- Figure 1: Global Expandable Graphite Market Revenue Breakdown (Million, %) by Region 2025 & 2033
- Figure 2: Asia Pacific Expandable Graphite Market Revenue (Million), by Applications 2025 & 2033
- Figure 3: Asia Pacific Expandable Graphite Market Revenue Share (%), by Applications 2025 & 2033
- Figure 4: Asia Pacific Expandable Graphite Market Revenue (Million), by Country 2025 & 2033
- Figure 5: Asia Pacific Expandable Graphite Market Revenue Share (%), by Country 2025 & 2033
- Figure 6: North America Expandable Graphite Market Revenue (Million), by Applications 2025 & 2033
- Figure 7: North America Expandable Graphite Market Revenue Share (%), by Applications 2025 & 2033
- Figure 8: North America Expandable Graphite Market Revenue (Million), by Country 2025 & 2033
- Figure 9: North America Expandable Graphite Market Revenue Share (%), by Country 2025 & 2033
- Figure 10: Europe Expandable Graphite Market Revenue (Million), by Applications 2025 & 2033
- Figure 11: Europe Expandable Graphite Market Revenue Share (%), by Applications 2025 & 2033
- Figure 12: Europe Expandable Graphite Market Revenue (Million), by Country 2025 & 2033
- Figure 13: Europe Expandable Graphite Market Revenue Share (%), by Country 2025 & 2033
- Figure 14: South America Expandable Graphite Market Revenue (Million), by Applications 2025 & 2033
- Figure 15: South America Expandable Graphite Market Revenue Share (%), by Applications 2025 & 2033
- Figure 16: South America Expandable Graphite Market Revenue (Million), by Country 2025 & 2033
- Figure 17: South America Expandable Graphite Market Revenue Share (%), by Country 2025 & 2033
- Figure 18: Middle East and Africa Expandable Graphite Market Revenue (Million), by Applications 2025 & 2033
- Figure 19: Middle East and Africa Expandable Graphite Market Revenue Share (%), by Applications 2025 & 2033
- Figure 20: Middle East and Africa Expandable Graphite Market Revenue (Million), by Country 2025 & 2033
- Figure 21: Middle East and Africa Expandable Graphite Market Revenue Share (%), by Country 2025 & 2033
List of Tables
- Table 1: Global Expandable Graphite Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Applications 2020 & 2033
- Table 2: Global Expandable Graphite Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2020 & 2033
- Table 3: Global Expandable Graphite Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Applications 2020 & 2033
- Table 4: Global Expandable Graphite Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2020 & 2033
- Table 5: China Expandable Graphite Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2020 & 2033
- Table 6: India Expandable Graphite Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2020 & 2033
- Table 7: Japan Expandable Graphite Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2020 & 2033
- Table 8: South Korea Expandable Graphite Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2020 & 2033
- Table 9: Rest of Asia Pacific Expandable Graphite Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2020 & 2033
- Table 10: Global Expandable Graphite Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Applications 2020 & 2033
- Table 11: Global Expandable Graphite Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2020 & 2033
- Table 12: United States Expandable Graphite Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2020 & 2033
- Table 13: Canada Expandable Graphite Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2020 & 2033
- Table 14: Mexico Expandable Graphite Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2020 & 2033
- Table 15: Global Expandable Graphite Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Applications 2020 & 2033
- Table 16: Global Expandable Graphite Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2020 & 2033
- Table 17: Germany Expandable Graphite Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2020 & 2033
- Table 18: United Kingdom Expandable Graphite Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2020 & 2033
- Table 19: France Expandable Graphite Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2020 & 2033
- Table 20: Italy Expandable Graphite Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2020 & 2033
- Table 21: Rest of Europe Expandable Graphite Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2020 & 2033
- Table 22: Global Expandable Graphite Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Applications 2020 & 2033
- Table 23: Global Expandable Graphite Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2020 & 2033
- Table 24: Brazil Expandable Graphite Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2020 & 2033
- Table 25: Argentina Expandable Graphite Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2020 & 2033
- Table 26: Rest of South America Expandable Graphite Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2020 & 2033
- Table 27: Global Expandable Graphite Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Applications 2020 & 2033
- Table 28: Global Expandable Graphite Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2020 & 2033
- Table 29: South Africa Expandable Graphite Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2020 & 2033
- Table 30: Saudi Arabia Expandable Graphite Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2020 & 2033
- Table 31: Rest of Middle East and Africa Expandable Graphite Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2020 & 2033
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the Expandable Graphite Market?
The projected CAGR is approximately 7.64%.
2. Which companies are prominent players in the Expandable Graphite Market?
Key companies in the market include GrafTech International Ltd, Nacional de Grafite, NeoGraf Solution, Northern Graphite, Qingdao Black Dragon Graphite Group, Qingdao Jinhui Graphite Co Ltd, Qingdao YanXin Graphite Products Co LTD, Sanyo Corporation, SGL Carbon, Shijiazhuang ADT Carbonic Material Factory, Yichang Xincheng Graphite Co Ltd *List Not Exhaustive.
3. What are the main segments of the Expandable Graphite Market?
The market segments include Applications.
4. Can you provide details about the market size?
The market size is estimated to be USD XX Million as of 2022.
5. What are some drivers contributing to market growth?
Increasing Adoption of Expandable Graphite as a Flame Retardant; Increasing Demand for Non-Halogenated Flame Retardants.
6. What are the notable trends driving market growth?
The Flame Retardant Segment is Anticipated to Hold a Significant Share.
7. Are there any restraints impacting market growth?
Increasing Adoption of Expandable Graphite as a Flame Retardant; Increasing Demand for Non-Halogenated Flame Retardants.
8. Can you provide examples of recent developments in the market?
In July 2022, BlackEarth Minerals (BEM), in partnership with Metachem, planned to develop BEM's proposed expandable coarse flake graphite processing plant in India's Pune region. This site construction was expected to be completed in early 2023.
9. What pricing options are available for accessing the report?
Pricing options include single-user, multi-user, and enterprise licenses priced at USD 4750, USD 5250, and USD 8750 respectively.
10. Is the market size provided in terms of value or volume?
The market size is provided in terms of value, measured in Million.
11. Are there any specific market keywords associated with the report?
Yes, the market keyword associated with the report is "Expandable Graphite Market," which aids in identifying and referencing the specific market segment covered.
12. How do I determine which pricing option suits my needs best?
The pricing options vary based on user requirements and access needs. Individual users may opt for single-user licenses, while businesses requiring broader access may choose multi-user or enterprise licenses for cost-effective access to the report.
13. Are there any additional resources or data provided in the Expandable Graphite Market report?
While the report offers comprehensive insights, it's advisable to review the specific contents or supplementary materials provided to ascertain if additional resources or data are available.
14. How can I stay updated on further developments or reports in the Expandable Graphite Market?
To stay informed about further developments, trends, and reports in the Expandable Graphite Market, consider subscribing to industry newsletters, following relevant companies and organizations, or regularly checking reputable industry news sources and publications.
Methodology
Step 1 - Identification of Relevant Samples Size from Population Database
Step 2 - Approaches for Defining Global Market Size (Value, Volume* & Price*)
Note*: In applicable scenarios
Step 3 - Data Sources
Primary Research
- Web Analytics
- Survey Reports
- Research Institute
- Latest Research Reports
- Opinion Leaders
Secondary Research
- Annual Reports
- White Paper
- Latest Press Release
- Industry Association
- Paid Database
- Investor Presentations
Step 4 - Data Triangulation
Involves using different sources of information in order to increase the validity of a study
These sources are likely to be stakeholders in a program - participants, other researchers, program staff, other community members, and so on.
Then we put all data in single framework & apply various statistical tools to find out the dynamic on the market.
During the analysis stage, feedback from the stakeholder groups would be compared to determine areas of agreement as well as areas of divergence