Lithium wars: The global struggle for 'white diamonds'

TOKYO -- Economic security is increasingly under threat. U.S.-China tensions and Russia's invasion of Ukraine have had a major impact on global supply chains for semiconductors, food, energy and other products. We have entered an era in which geopolitical risks are directly linked to disruptions in business and people's lives.

Nikkei analyzed trends in strategic commodities to visualize economic security risks. This infographic focuses on lithium, a material used in batteries and essential for the production of electric vehicles and renewable energy technology.

In this three-part series, we examine how China has had a growing impact on the lithium supply chain, how the U.S. is trying to secure lithium-ion batteries and related investments through the Inflation Reduction Act passed in August 2022, and how Japan and the EU are acting against these backdrops.

Lithium wars:

1. China's far-reaching vision and deep designs
2. U.S. irritation: Tesla bound by 'red chains'
3. Japan moves late while the EU leads in recycling