🟢 Starting November 8, 2025, China will implement export controls on high-end lithium batteries, key materials, and equipment with an energy density of 300Wh/kg or greater, requiring export approval.
This measure aims to strengthen the protection of core technologies and fulfill international obligations and will not affect the normal trade of standard lithium batteries.
🔋The lithium battery technology new rules cover:
- Lithium ion batteries with energy density ≥300 Wh/kg
- Manufacturing equipment for lithium ion batteries
- LFP cathode materials with ≥2.5 g/cm³ density and ≥156 mAh/g capacity
- Ternary precursors (NCA, NCM)
- Cathode-material manufacturing equipment
- Artificial graphite anode materials and blended graphite mixes
- Manufacturing equipment, technology, and processes for graphite anodes
🛠️But why these specific parts of the lithium battery value chain?
Because China dominates nearly all of them.
Especially LFP, graphite anode, and manufacturing equipment.
And China wants to keep its technological edge.
🚀What does this mean for lithium battery exporters?
They’ll need to apply for licenses to export these items.
That adds regulatory layers and potential delays.
In my view, the biggest impact will come from restrictions on manufacturing equipment.
Wuxi Lead Intelligent Equipment, the world’s top supplier, is Chinese.
They serve nearly everyone: CATL, SK On, Panasonic, LGES, Samsung SDI, BYD, and even ACC.
Four of the five largest battery equipment makers are based in China.
Their machinery powers gigafactories across Europe and the U.S.
