LG Energy faces obstacles diversifying US anode supply chain for EV batteries

South Korean firm looks to de-risk from China's global domination of key materials

20250514N LG Energy Solution EV Battery Reuters

Battery cells from LG Energy Solution, which has sought alternatives for many imported raw materials but remains highly dependent on China for anode materials. © Reuters

PAK YIU

NEW YORK -- Developing a domestic anode materials supply chain for electric-vehicle battery production in the U.S. is the biggest challenge for LG Energy Solution as President Donald Trump's tariff policies drive up costs for raw materials and equipment.

The South Korean clean-technology giant has sought alternatives for "quite a lot" of its imported raw materials, according to Bob Lee, its North American president. But anode materials -- key to EV batteries -- remain highly dependent on Chinese sourcing.

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