Beijing Ratchets Up Export Controls – In the Crosshairs This Time: Graphite, the “Unsung Player” in the Battery Supply Chain

By Sandra Wirtz 

In keeping with its known penchant for weaponizing trade, Beijing is tightening its export control ratchet again this week.

Now in the Tech War crosshairs:  Graphite.

According to Reuters, China announced today that to protect national security, it will require export permits for certain graphite products – a move analysts see as a play “to control supplies of critical minerals in response to challenges over its global manufacturing dominance.”