Asian Countries Control 94% of Global EV Battery Minerals

2025-06-01 global

Seoul, Saturday, 31 May 2025.
South Korea, China, and Japan have acquired 94% of global EV battery minerals, highlighting their dominance in EV technology and potential impacts on global supply chains.

Dominance in Global Supply Chains

The recent acquisition of 94% of global electric vehicle (EV) battery minerals by South Korea, China, and Japan signifies a strategic maneuver to cement their dominance in the EV market. This overwhelming control over critical raw materials underscores these nations’ determination to lead in sustainable technology and renewable energy adoption. Such dominance is expected to reverberate through global supply chains, heavily influencing pricing power, availability of materials, and geopolitical dynamics surrounding mineral extraction and trade [1][2].

Strategic Resource Acquisition

The strategic move by these Asian powerhouses is not just about current market control but future-proofing their energy needs and technological leadership. As the EV market is poised for exponential growth, fueled by environmental policies and consumer demand for greener solutions, securing a steady supply of minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel becomes crucial. These minerals are indispensable in the production of batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems [3][4]. The implications of this market control could see other regions struggling to compete unless they establish new mining initiatives or recycling technologies [5].

Impact Beyond Borders

Global response to this near-monopoly may include policy shifts as countries aim to establish their own supply chains or diversify mineral sourcing. The United States and Europe, for example, may intensify efforts to explore domestic mineral sources or invest in partnerships with nations outside Asia. Moreover, this control over minerals could spur advancements in battery recycling technologies, which countries like Australia are already championing [6][7]. Properly harnessed, recycling could partially alleviate dependency on newly mined resources and provide an environmental win amid climate change challenges [8].

Future Implications for the EV Market

As South Korea, China, and Japan harness these resources, their influence over the global EV market is set to deepen, impacting innovators, manufacturers, and consumers worldwide. The sector is not immune to pacing changes, and these nations’ focus on securing mineral assets highlights the evolving landscape of international trade and technology. This could give rise to new market dynamics where the balance of power shifts in favor of those who control the earth’s precious resources [9][10]. Hence, the coming decade could witness a race not just for technological advancements but also for sustainable resource management strategies [11].

Sources

EV battery minerals Asia market