The New York Times lamented on July 15, "China has struck again!"
This time, China added the preparation technology of lithium iron phosphate batteries, the preparation technology of lithium manganese iron phosphate batteries, and the preparation technology of phosphate cathode raw materials to the list of prohibited exports. The New York Times seems very angry, using the wording that Western economic bullying is escalating, and another key technology is being restricted from export in its report.
Behind this is China's control over 80% of the global lithium iron phosphate battery production capacity, 60% of lithium processing capacity, and 75% of the high-end cathode material market share. The cost of extracting lithium from salt lakes in China is 30% lower than that of Europe and the United States, and the purity of battery-grade lithium carbonate reaches 99.995%, while Western technology can only achieve 99.9%. When China transforms its technological advantages into strategic barriers, the so-called "Critical Minerals Alliance" (US, Canada, Australia) instantly becomes a paper exercise.
The European Union imposes additional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, while at the same time enticing Chinese companies to build factories in Europe. The new regulations completely block the loopholes for private technology transfer. This move is called "choking the oil pipe of the green revolution" by Western media — EU think tanks estimate that if Chinese companies stop supplying lithium technology, the cost of electric vehicles will surge by 40%, and the EU's 2035 plan to ban gasoline and diesel vehicles may become empty words.
Western countries have long monopolized the high-end industry but refuse to accept fair competition. When China strikes back with equal rules, they lament and say they cannot accept it, actually the scepter of the global supply chain is quietly changing hands.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1837947339903239/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.