Jan. 9th, News UpdateThe Ministry of Commerce recently announced that in order to strengthen the management of technology import and export, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the "Foreign Trade Law" and the "Regulations on the Administration of Technology Import and Export," the Ministry of Commerce, in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology and other departments, plans to adjust the "Catalogue of Technologies Banned or Limited for Export from China." This includes imposing export restrictions on the technology for the preparation of cathode materials for lithium batteries and related lithium extraction technologies.
Vice President Zhang Jiangfeng of the Lithium Industry Branch of the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association stated during an interview:"By restricting the export of certain technologies, a country can safeguard its core technology and industrial security, a common practice internationally. At the same time, it also provides clear guidance for technology export companies to legally and compliantly engage in international technology exchange and cooperation."
In response to the question of whether the Catalogue would restrict Chinese enterprises' foreign investment, Zhang Jiangfeng stated that the technology in the lithium battery field has been listed as restricted this time. Enterprises can apply for a technology export permit to the provincial commerce department in accordance with the "Regulations on the Administration of Technology Import and Export of the People's Republic of China" and the "Management Measures for the Prohibition of Export and Restriction of Export of Technologies." After obtaining the permit, they can carry out normal foreign investment or technology cooperation. It is important to note that unlisted free technologies in the Catalogue should also be registered and recorded in accordance with national regulations after export.
Blue Whale News interviewed several companies involved in related technologies, and was informed that there is no impact at this time.
As Zhang Jiangfeng introduces,"Catalog management does not involve the product itself and does not affect the export of related equipment and products. Moreover, a 'restrictive' rather than 'prohibitive' policy is adopted for technology exports, thereby having a minimal impact on industrial development."
"The new regulations limit high-end lithium-iron products, specifically those of the fourth generation and above, while products with ordinary compaction density are not restricted. A relevant person from a lithium battery company further explained that the restrictions are not on the existing battery cathode material preparation technologies currently on the market, but are focused on the next generation."zuiLeading-edge technology.
In addition to the technology for the production equipment of cathode materials, the lithium extraction technology mainly involves lithium salt preparation techniques, including lithium spodumene-based lithium carbonate production, lithium spodumene-based lithium hydroxide production, metal lithium (alloy) and lithium material preparation technology, direct lithium extraction from raw brine, and lithium-containing purification liquid preparation technology.
According to a senior official from a leading lithium battery enterprise, the technologies involved, such as direct lithium extraction from raw brine and the preparation of lithium-containing purification liquids, are primarily used for salt lake lithium extraction. Given the difficulty of transporting salt lake lithium over long distances, it is generally only feasible at the resource site. This implies that subsequent overseas salt lake lithium extraction projects will require export permits.
Zhang Jiangfeng, Vice President of the Lithium Branch of the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association, stated that the adjustment to this "Catalogue" effectively safeguards the intellectual property rights in China's lithium battery sector. It guides domestic enterprises to promote the orderly upgrade of technology exports in accordance with the laws of industrial development, prevents technology leakage and abuse, and protects the comparative advantages of China's domestic industry, maintaining the sustained momentum for technological research and development.
