Which countries export lithium-ion batteries?

Chinese export destinations for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are highly diversified, as the chart below shows. Significantly, Chinese Li-ion battery exports to the United States have risen sharply in recent months, reaching an all-time high of $1.9 billion in December 2024.

Are Chinese Li-ion battery exports rising?

As measured in weight, Chinese Li-ion battery exports are rising. Chinese trade data shows that battery exports by weight have increased year-over-year, while their export value has declined. In 2024, the United States imported 923,000 tons, slightly less than the EU’s 938,000 tons.

Are Chinese lithium-ion batteries cheaper than US batteries?

Strikingly, the per-kilogram prices of Chinese lithium-ion batteries exported to the United States are lower than the same product sold to any other market.

Should the US put tariffs on Chinese-made Li-ion batteries?

When placing tariffs on Chinese-made Li-ion batteries, however, policymakers should ensure that the United States, working closely with allies and partners, develop a US battery complex. Outcompeting China in batteries, a vital military and energy technology, is critical for US and allied security.

Will US and China win the lithium-ion battery race?

Indeed, the United States and its allies must win the battery race with China, especially given the technology’s military applications. Accordingly, increasing and accelerating tariffs on Chinese-made lithium-ion storage batteries would bolster US and allied manufacturers at the expense of Chinese competitors.

How much lithium is mined in China?

China domestically produced approximately 18% (33,000 short tons) of the world’s mined lithium in 2023, and Chinese companies control 25% of the world’s lithium mining capacity.