China is considering restricting exports of technology used to process lithium used in electric vehicle batteries, accelerating a trade war as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office.
China’s Ministry of Commerce in a document released Thursday announced it was taking public comment on a plan that would extend export restrictions to technology needed to make certain types of batteries. Specifically, the document targets lithium iron phosphate cathodes, as well as lithium-iron-manganese-phosphate cathode and iron phosphates.
The announcement is the latest in a string of restrictions China is pursuing to lock in its control over supply chains tied to EVs, energy and military applications.
Beijing most recently halted exports of gallium, germanium and antimony to the U.S., as well as superhard materials, while placing tighter controls on exports of graphite, a key ingredient in EV batteries.
