中国又出一张牌，“将对美企造成重大影响”

Core Viewpoint - China's recent trade countermeasures, including export controls on lithium-ion batteries and related materials, are seen as a strategic response to U.S. unilateralism, leveraging its dominant position in the battery industry to exert pressure on American companies [1][3]. Summary by Sections Trade Measures - China announced that starting from November 8, 2025, it will impose export controls on certain lithium batteries, key anode and cathode materials, and related manufacturing equipment and technology to safeguard national security and fulfill international non-proliferation obligations [1][4]. - The measures cover a wide range of the battery supply chain, including large lithium-ion batteries used for energy storage, which China leads in technology [1][4]. Impact on U.S. Companies - Analysts indicate that the new restrictions will significantly impact U.S. companies, as approximately 65% of lithium-ion batteries imported by the U.S. in the first seven months of this year came from China [3][4]. - The demand for battery storage in the U.S. is critical, especially with the increasing energy needs driven by artificial intelligence and data centers, which have seen their electricity consumption more than double from 2017 to 2023 [3][4]. Market Reactions - Following the announcement of the export controls, shares of U.S. battery companies such as Fluence Energy and Tesla dropped significantly, with Fluence's stock falling over 12% and Tesla's by 5% [4][5]. - The new restrictions add complexity to an already strained global supply chain, prompting companies to seek to reduce reliance on Chinese components [5][6]. Strategic Implications - The measures are viewed as a significant upgrade in China's trade strategy, as they control about 96% of global anode material production and 85% of cathode material production, making it difficult for companies outside China to find alternatives [4][5]. - Experts suggest that these actions not only serve as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations but also aim to maintain China's competitive edge in the clean energy sector [5][6].