In a recent significant development, the Chinese government has approved the export of key spherical graphite materials and finished graphite anode materials to major South Korean battery industry manufacturers. This decision was made in late December last year, marking a new milestone in China-South Korea cooperation in the battery materials sector.

According to industry sources, this approval from the Chinese government involves POSCO Future M, a battery materials production subsidiary under South Koreas steel giant POSCO Group. As the only South Korean leader in the secondary battery materials sector covering both cathode and anode materials, this means POSCO Future M will be able to import spherical graphite materials needed for lithium battery anode production from China.

Additionally, China has approved graphite anode material exports to three major South Korean power battery companies: LG,New energySK Innovation, and Samsung SDI. These three companies hold significant positions in the global battery industry, and Chinas decision will provide them with more raw material support, enhancing their competitiveness in the global market.

Despite Chinas recent strengthening of export controls on graphite items, it has still approved a series of graphite export licenses including those for South Korean companies. This indicates that the two governments maintain positive communication and coordination regarding cooperation in the battery industry.

It is reported that South Korea imported approximately $241 million worth of artificial and natural graphite from China in 2022, with the majority sourced from China. This data highlights Chinas crucial role in supplying key raw materials to South Koreas battery industry.

In a report released last October, the Korea International Trade Association pointed out that given tensions in China-US relations, South Korean battery companies establishing factories in the US may face delays or rejections of export licenses. Therefore, the report recommends that South Korea needs to diversify its graphite supply chain and actively develop silicon-based anode material technologies as alternatives to reduce supply risks.

Overall, Chinas approval of graphite exports to South Korean battery manufacturers not only strengthens bilateral cooperation in battery materials but also provides more support for South Korean companies in global market competition.