“不如申请成中国一省” ，德国锂企竟如此“激将”欧盟

Core Viewpoint - The CEO of AMG Lithium, Stephan Scherer, is leveraging the EU's focus on critical minerals to advocate for reduced dependency on China, suggesting that without action, the EU may as well apply to become a province of China [1][2]. Group 1: Company Developments - AMG Lithium is constructing Europe's first lithium refining plant in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, expected to produce 20,000 tons of lithium hydroxide annually, sufficient for 500,000 electric vehicles [1]. - The company has invested £150 million over five years to reach its current status and has not faced competition in the last two to three years [4]. - AMG Lithium aims to achieve commercial production of its first test products later this year [1]. Group 2: Industry Challenges - Scherer criticizes the EU's current policies and the 2024 Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), claiming they are ineffective in reducing dependency on China [5]. - He highlights that China controls 60% of global lithium refining and battery component production, posing a significant challenge for EU manufacturers [5]. - The EU's lack of incentives for local mining and production is contrasted with the U.S. approach, which enforces localization policies [5]. Group 3: Strategic Recommendations - Scherer suggests that the EU should implement temporary tariffs or tax incentives to protect local industries and encourage investment from Chinese companies [5]. - He emphasizes the need for strategic investments in critical technology sectors, particularly in the automotive industry, to ensure competitiveness [5]. Group 4: Market Dynamics - The global lithium industry is intertwined with Chinese capital, making it difficult for Western countries to sever ties without significant economic implications [6]. - The demand for rare earth materials in Europe is increasing, but production capacity is lagging behind, leading to frustration among local manufacturers [7].