{"id":2202567,"date":"2023-10-26T08:00:20","date_gmt":"2023-10-25T23:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2202567"},"modified":"2023-10-25T16:33:12","modified_gmt":"2023-10-25T07:33:12","slug":"seoul-grapples-with-beijings-graphite-export-control-battery-industry-at-risk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/10\/seoul-grapples-with-beijings-graphite-export-control-battery-industry-at-risk\/","title":{"rendered":"Seoul grapples with Beijing\u2019s graphite export control: Battery industry at risk"},"content":{"rendered":"
South Korea\u2019s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy convened a <\/span>joint public-private meeting<\/span><\/a> on Oct. 23 to address <\/span>China\u2019s graphite export controls<\/span><\/a>. This move could impact the country\u2019s battery industry. The assembly included officials from various government departments and representatives from major domestic battery companies. In 2022, South Korea\u2019s graphite imports amounted to a significant portion, with a <\/span>dominant share<\/span><\/a> sourced from China.<\/span><\/p>\n In response, the ministry is launching a \u201cGraphite Supply Task Force\u201d in collaboration with agencies like the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) to ensure a consistent supply. They are also focusing on establishing communication channels with the Chinese government to prevent potential import interruptions. Discussions also highlighted plans to accelerate the production of domestic synthetic graphite and diversify graphite sourcing from countries like Tanzania and Mozambique. The industry called for continuous dialogue with China and emphasized the importance of national backing for a stable graphite supply chain.<\/span><\/p>\n Why It Matters<\/b><\/p>\n China\u2019s control over graphite exports poses significant implications for South Korea. Graphite is a pivotal component in rechargeable batteries, foundational to several high-tech industries, including electric vehicles (EVs), energy storage and electronics. South Korean firms like Samsung, Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution are at the forefront of these sectors, making their dependency on a steady graphite supply paramount.<\/span><\/p>\n China\u2019s commerce ministry stated that Beijing imposed its temporary export control on specific graphite items to safeguard national security and interests, implying that the move can be interpreted as an economic decision and a strategic one. Given South Korean firms\u2019 overreliance on China, South Korea\u2019s move to source graphite from Tanzania and Mozambique and enhance domestic production capacities might be insufficient in the short term.<\/span><\/p>\n