China Suspends Export Controls On Lithium-batteries And Artificial Graphite Anode Materials

Following the recent trade talks between China and the US on the sidelines of the APEC summit in South Korea, China has agreed to suspend its earlier proposed export restrictions on key sectors – rare earth production and materials, lithium-batteries and related supply chain – in return for similar easing of trade restrictions from the US. This brings a short reprieve for worldwide manufacturing that was awaiting a deal between the world's two largest economies, but is far from the long-term solution craved many industries.

Suspension of battery related export control measures

On 7 November 2025, the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and the General Administration of Customs (Customs) jointly issued Decision No. 70 (2025)¹ (the Suspension Decision), which suspends, amongst others, the implementation of Decision No. 58 (2025) ² — Decision to Implement Export Controls on Lithium-Ion Batteries (including Cells and Packs), Artificial Graphite Anode Materials, and