China has also reportedly broadened its export control on rare earths to include five medium-to-heavy rare earth elements - holmium, erbium, thulium, europium, and ytterbium.
09 Oct 2025 | 6790 Views | By Autocar Professional Bureau
China has imposed new export controls on specific lithium battery components and related manufacturing technologies effective November 8, according to multiple media reports. The export controls target critical parts of the lithium-ion battery supply chain, including high-performance lithium batteries, and cathode and graphite anode materials.
The rules, jointly issued ...
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China has imposed new export controls on specific lithium battery components and related manufacturing technologies effective November 8, according to multiple media reports. The export controls target critical parts of the lithium-ion battery supply chain, including high-performance lithium batteries, and cathode and graphite anode materials.
The rules, jointly issued by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and the General Administration of Customs (GACC), are reportedly intended to safeguard China's national security and interests and meet international non-proliferation obligations. Exporters must now apply for a permit from MOFCOM for these restricted items.
The Global Times report said the control applies to high-performance rechargeable lithium-ion cells and battery packs with an energy density of 300 Wh/kg or above, as well as specialized production equipment. The new rules also extend to technologies used in producing these advanced battery components.
Most electric vehicles in India use standard lithium-ion batteries, primarily with Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) or Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) chemistries, with energy density likely ranging from about 150 Wh/kg to 250 Wh/kg. China is specifically targeting high-end solid-state or ultra-high-energy-density batteries.
For cathode materials, the control reportedly covers lithium iron phosphate cathodes with a tap density of 2.5 g/cm³ or greater and a specific capacity of 156 mAh/g or more. They also include precursors for ternary cathode materials such as nickel-cobalt-manganese hydroxide and nickel-cobalt-aluminum hydroxide, along with lithium-rich manganese-based cathodes. Equipment like roller kilns, high-speed mixers, sand mills, and air jet pulverizers used in their manufacture will also be restricted.
Graphite anode materials are similarly affected. The controls reportedly cover artificial graphite, as well as blends of artificial and natural graphite anode materials. Production equipment, including large-capacity vertical and continuous granulation reactors, graphitization furnaces (such as Acheson and box furnaces), and coating or modification equipment, will fall under the new rules. Specific technologies, including granulation, continuous graphitization, and liquid-phase coating processes, will also require approval for export.
Meanwhile, China has also expanded its export controls over rare earths and related technology. From November 8, the control measures will be broadened to include five medium-to-heavy rare earth elements - holmium, erbium, thulium, europium, and ytterbium - along with their respective compounds and related processing technologies.
These rare earths will be added to the control list, which already covers over 20 other elements and related materials. China currently has monopolistic control over the global supply of rare earth metals. Beijing has intensified its control over rare earth exports since April, and companies and the government are working to secure alternative supply chains.