In response to the Chinese government's announcement that it will impose export restrictions on graphite-related items used in lithium-ion batteries, METI Minister Nishimura stated that the impact on Japan companies is under scrutiny, and emphasized that Japan will work to diversify its supply network so as not to depend on a specific country.
The Chinese government announced on December 20 that it will implement export restrictions on graphite-related items, which are used as materials for lithium-ion batteries, for which demand is increasing due to the spread of EVs = electric vehicles, and for which China has a high share of the global market.
In response to this, METI Minister Nishimura stated at a press conference after the Cabinet meeting on March 24 that the impact on Japan companies was under scrutiny, and stated, "Going forward, we will confirm the Chinese side with its intentions and operational policies, and if unfair measures are taken in light of international rules, we will respond appropriately based on the rules."
He then stated, "Graphite is an important commodity, and it is important to build a resilient supply chain that does not depend on a specific country," and emphasized the idea of diversifying the graphite supply network so that it does not depend on a specific country.