Sébastien Le Belzic (in Beijing), edited by Juliette Moreau Alvarez
modified to
7:40 a.m., October 25, 2022
In the lithium race, China is far ahead. To maintain its position as world leader, Beijing not only exploits its basements but also mines abroad in the four corners of the world. Today, it produces almost 75% of all lithium batteries in the world.
If France wants to get into lithium, it is still far behind China. By 2025, Beijing could supply almost 20% of electric cars in Europe, and to secure its place as the world leader in the manufacture of batteries and electric cars, China is investing in mines on its soil and abroad. abroad while ensuring the refining of lithium on its territory.
Substantial state subsidies
Currently, China produces almost 75% of all lithium batteries in the world. But the metal does not come from its basement: two-thirds are imported from mines it operates abroad, mainly in Chile, Argentina and Australia. 65% of the refined lithium then leaves Chinese factories. Two companies, Tianqi and Gafeng, alone control a third of global production.
The industry also benefits from significant subsidies from the Chinese government, including for overseas investment and the purchase of mining concessions. If China is thirsty for lithium, it is because it has half of the world’s fleet of electric vehicles and exports a large part of its production abroad, mainly to Europe. From next year, a new generation of Chinese lithium batteries should allow these vehicles to reach a range of 1,000 kilometers, with a quick charge of only ten minutes.