{"id":2202648,"date":"2023-11-06T15:27:18","date_gmt":"2023-11-06T06:27:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2202648"},"modified":"2023-11-06T15:27:18","modified_gmt":"2023-11-06T06:27:18","slug":"why-chinas-graphite-control-impacts-south-koreas-battery-landscape","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/11\/why-chinas-graphite-control-impacts-south-koreas-battery-landscape\/","title":{"rendered":"Why China\u2019s graphite control impacts South Korea\u2019s battery landscape"},"content":{"rendered":"
Amid escalating trade tensions between China and the U.S., the <\/span>refined graphite market<\/span><\/a>, 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\u2019s refined graphite.<\/span><\/p>\n Recent <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i> analysis points to a notable shift in China\u2019s export control strategies. Moving from traditionally reactive measures, China now appears to be adopting a more proactive stance, possibly as a deterrence measure.<\/span><\/p>\n While the new graphite export controls might not directly target South Korea, the implications are clear. Any restrictions China imposes could send ripples across the globe, potentially impacting major stakeholders like South Korea and even aspects of the U.S. defense sector.<\/span><\/p>\n Considering China\u2019s challenges with graphite oversupply, the situation takes on added complexity. Producers may soon look to diversify their sources away from China, drawn by its low prices. As these changes take root, unfolding dynamics will have significant implications, with either battery manufacturers or their suppliers likely to bear the brunt of these shifts.<\/span><\/p>\n SHIFTING TRADE DYNAMICS<\/b><\/p>\n Global trade, historically characterized by an open flow occasionally interrupted by tariffs, has taken a turn. Previously, most trade restrictions, whether unilateral or multilateral, predominantly focused on dual-use technologies \u2014 items with civilian and military applications \u2014 and arms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n However, that narrative has shifted dramatically since 2017. The U.S. and China have found themselves embroiled in a <\/span>trade war<\/span><\/a>. At the heart of this conflict lie industries pivotal to the future: computing, energy storage and many other sectors, each carrying profound national security implications for both nations.<\/span><\/p>\n