Lithium is a relatively scarce element we find in low concentrations in many rocks, and in some brines according to Wikipedia. Chile has the largest reserves of 9.3 million tons according to a Statista report. Australia, Argentina, China, United States, and Canada are runners-up with 6.2, 2.7, 2.0, 1.0, and 0.9 million metric tons respectively. This begs the question where US lithium battery material sources come from.
Grand View Research ranks US second after China in lithium battery production, although the world leader only “mines about 1.0% of the total demand in the world”. This is the current situation, although there are indications the nation may soon make greater use of its domestic lithium reserves.
In the interim, US will have to keep importing pre-manufactured lithium-ion batteries from elsewhere. We decided to investigate, and turned up some facts you may not know.
US Lithium Battery Material Sources According to WEF
World Economic Forum released a report on March 15, 2023, focusing on US lithium battery material sources. Highlights include:
- Most US lithium-ion batteries come from Peoples Republic of China.
- Although a significant volume also come from South Korea and Japan.
- Lithium-ion batteries are under the US spotlight after a series of fires.
- US regulators are struggling to control a huge, unregulated market.
More About This Unregulated Market
Most lithium-ion batteries are small, and generally safe if properly manufactured and used. However, lithium-ion battery packs in e-bikes and e-scooters are larger, and appear to be more prone to damage and fires. Demand for these vehicles increased in US during COVID and prices soared.
Cheaper alternatives entered the market in response to a public outcry. Efforts are afoot to regulate this market. We hope this new policy blocks these irregular US battery material suppliers. However authorities will have to successfully block cowboy battery importers and sellers in order to succeed.
More Information
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