China aiming for more export curbs after bans on US defence contractors

Proposed extended restrictions from commerce ministry come on the heels of dual-use export bans on 28 US defence contractors

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A production line at a plant producing lithium batteries for automotive use, in northern China. China has a clear lead in the global lithium sector, with a supply chain spanning raw material extraction to hi-tech manufacturing. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 8:00pm, 3 Jan 2025Updated: 11:47am, 4 Jan 2025

China is looking to impose further export curbs on advanced technologies, according to a notice from the Ministry of Commerce that said it had launched a public consultation on the matter.

The annual export control catalogue was issued on Thursday, the same day the ministry placed dozens of US defence contractors on an export bans list.

The extended restrictions would apply to technologies typically used to make electric vehicle (EV) battery components and for processing critical minerals such as lithium and gallium, the ministry said.

These include some technology to produce batteries with lithium iron phosphate (LFP), as well as phosphate-based cathode materials, according to the catalogue.

Cathode materials play a crucial role in the performance of lithium-ion batteries, extensively used in EVs.

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LFP is a cathode material used to make LFP batteries, which are known across China for their cost-effectiveness, lower safety risks, longer life cycle and robust thermal and chemical stability.