Outdoor energy storage lithium battery foreign trade

Are lithium-ion batteries a strategic resource?

This article explores the geopolitical relations and interdependencies emerging in the lithium extraction and manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries. It discusses the characteristics of the lithium-ion battery supply value chain to argue that lithium is not just a strategic resource.

Why are lithium-ion batteries booming in the US?

U.S. imports of lithium-ion batteries, especially those made in China, are booming as demand for electric vehicles and energy storage stations continues to rise. Lithium-ion battery imports climbed to a record 637,396 tonnes in 2022, jumping 99% from 2021, according to data from Panjiva.

How does US trade policy affect lithium-ion battery production & deployment?

Gaps in U.S. trade policy also drive up the costs of LIB production and deployment in the United States, as well as the manufacturing and deployment costs of key LIB-powered products. Current U.S. most-favored nation (MFN) rates for lithium-ion battery products still impose barriers on the ability to procure these goods.

Does the US rely on foreign sources for lithium?

The U.S., however, remains a minor player, raising concerns about its reliance on foreign sources for this critical resource. As the demand for lithium continues to grow, driven by the expanding electric vehicle and energy storage industries, the U.S. faces potential strategic and economic risks.

Is lithium the future of energy storage & transport electrification?

Lithium, fundamental to energy storage and transport electrification, is at the center of this transition . The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that lithium demand by 2040 could be up to 42 times its 2020 levels, depending on varying scenarios .

Why is China a leader in lithium-ion battery technology?

China has shrewdly leveraged this dynamic, securing its position as the dominant global force not only in lithium-ion battery technology but also in the broader ecosystem of battery production . China refines 59 % of global lithium and hosts three-quarters of the world's lithium-ion battery mega factories .