Amid escalating trade tensions between China and the U.S., the refined graphite market, crucial for lithium-ion batteries, emerges as a new point of contention. As a major producer of such batteries, South Korea finds itself at the crossroads of these trade disputes. This delicate position is magnified by China's dominant role, producing about 90% of the world’s refined graphite.

Recent Korea Pro analysis points to a notable shift in China’s export control strategies. Moving from traditionally reactive measures, China now appears to be adopting a more proactive stance, possibly as a deterrence measure.