China Flexing Battery Supply-Chain Clout With Fresh Export Curbs

China’s new export controls over parts of the battery supply chain are the latest sign Beijing is willing to leverage its dominance over an industry vital to the energy transition.

Exports of some lithium-ion batteries, along with some cathode and graphite anode materials, will need government permits from Nov. 8, the Ministry of Commerce said Thursday. Certain related technology and equipment will also be subject to controls, it said, in a move that followed Beijing’s announcement of wider restrictions for rare earths.