Oct 20, 2023 at 10:17 AM Update: an hour ago
China is imposing new restrictions on companies wanting to export graphite. This substance is used in batteries for electric cars and the Chinese are the main producer and exporter of these.
Earlier this year, China also decided to restrict the export of two other raw materials for batteries. At the time it was about gallium and germanium. Trade was not completely free for graphite either.
The new rules come into effect on December 1 and require exporters to apply for a license before they can export the graphite. The United States, Germany, Japan and South Korea, among others, import a lot of graphite. According to the Chinese, the measure is necessary in view of the national interest and national security.
Due to the energy transition, the market for plug-in vehicles is increasing. Companies in China, the US, Japan and various European countries are competing for more market share.
Governments are also getting involved. For example, the EU has recently started investigating Chinese cars on the European market. China would keep their prices artificially low and thus compete unfairly with European producers.
China said in a response that it had no understanding of the investigation. The export restrictions therefore appear to be a response to the EU measure.
Beeld: Getty Images
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2023-10-20 08:17:19
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