Reports from major Western lithium producers and industry analysis

China Proposes Export Restrictions on Lithium, Gallium Technology Until Feb. 1, 2025

Jan 2, 2025, 04:09 PM

China's Ministry of Commerce has proposed new export restrictions on technology used to manufacture battery components, specifically lithium battery materials and battery cathode material, and process critical minerals such as lithium and metallic gallium. The proposed measures, part of an effort to strengthen the management of technology imports and exports, include adding one item, revising one item, and removing three items from the catalog of technologies subject to export bans or restrictions. The public can provide feedback on these proposals until Feb. 1, 2025. If implemented, these restrictions could pose challenges for Western lithium producers relying on Chinese technology and may hinder the overseas expansion plans of major Chinese battery manufacturers like CATL, Gotion, and EVE Energy. The move comes amid rising global trade tensions and could impact the supply chain for electronics and electric vehicles, areas where China holds a 70% grip on the global processing of lithium into the material needed for electric vehicle batteries.