Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a significant safety crisis in the power bank industry triggered by the recall of defective battery cells, highlighting the role of specific suppliers and the implications for various brands in the market [1][2]. Group 1: Recall and Supplier Issues - The recall of power banks is primarily due to defective battery cells, with companies like Romoss and Anker citing "material issues" from suppliers [1]. - Anker's production partner, Anker Innovations, confirmed that certain batches of industry-standard battery cells had unauthorized material changes [1]. - The specific supplier linked to the recalled Anker A1681 power bank is identified as Amperes (Wuxi) Co., Ltd., which has faced regulatory scrutiny and has had multiple certifications suspended due to factory inspection failures [1][2]. Group 2: Industry Context and Competition - The power bank industry is characterized by intense competition and a prevalent OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) model, leading to low profit margins for manufacturers [3]. - Battery cells account for 40%-50% of the total cost of a power bank, making them a critical component where cost-cutting measures may compromise quality [3]. - The production of battery cells requires significant technical expertise and investment, indicating that issues with battery cells can have widespread repercussions across multiple brands [3]. Group 3: Company Background - Amperes (Wuxi) Co., Ltd. is a prominent soft-pack battery cell manufacturer in China, established in 2014 with a total investment of $200 million [4]. - As of 2023, Amperes has produced over 100 million lithium batteries and supplies battery cells to various brands, including Anker, Romoss, Xiaomi, and others [4]. - The recalls involve significant quantities, with Romoss recalling 490,000 units and Anker recalling 710,000 units [4].