China’s New Weapon in US Trade Talks: Batteries

In the ongoing US-China trade negotiations, China has emerged with a new strategic advantage - its dominance in the global battery market. As the US seeks to stabilize its electrical grid and support the growing power demands of data centers, it has become increasingly dependent on Chinese battery supplies. This reliance has given China leverage in the trade talks, as it can potentially restrict or manipulate the flow of these critical components. The article highlights that the US currently imports around 80% of its lithium-ion batteries from China, making it vulnerable to any disruptions in the supply chain. The article also suggests that this battery dependence could have far-reaching implications for the US, potentially impacting its ability to transition to renewable energy sources and support the growing electric vehicle industry. As the trade tensions continue, the control over battery technology has become a new battleground between the two economic superpowers.