China's surging lead in the EV battery circular economy - Asia Times

As the electric vehicle (EV) market surges worldwide, battery recycling and circular economy initiatives have become essential to the global green transition. China, already a dominant player in EV battery production, is now expanding its reach into the battery recycling sector, aiming to build a closed-loop supply chain.

This strategy not only addresses the challenge of resource scarcity but also grants China a new competitive edge in the global green technology arena, positioning it as a leader in the emerging circular economy, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible.

The key materials for EV batteries, such as cobalt, lithium, and nickel, are limited in supply and environmentally costly to extract. China has established a strong foothold in the battery supply chain through its extensive control over global mineral resources, securing significant stakes in cobalt mines in Africa and lithium sources in Latin America.

However, China’s ambitions go beyond control over raw materials. By fostering a robust battery recycling industry, China is working to reduce its reliance on newly mined minerals while simultaneously lowering the environmental impact of EV battery production.

Chinese companies like CATL and GEM Co, Ltd have taken the lead in the battery recycling market, using advanced technologies to maximize the reuse rate of critical materials. These companies employ cutting-edge extraction methods to reclaim valuable components from used batteries, which can then be reintegrated into the production cycle.

This approach not only boosts resource efficiency and reduces waste but also establishes a strong green reputation for China on the international stage. The Chinese government’s supportive policies, which include setting industry standards, offering financial support, and providing tax incentives, are further strengthening the growth of this sector, making China’s position in the global circular economy increasingly difficult to match.

In comparison, the United States and Europe have yet to develop comprehensive battery recycling supply chains, placing them at a potential disadvantage in the long run. Western countries’ battery recycling efforts remain fragmented, with limited large-scale infrastructure in place.

This early lead gives China the opportunity to set standards and capture markets in regions that may eventually depend on China for recycled battery materials, just as they have historically relied on it for raw materials.

As EV adoption accelerates and the volume of spent batteries surges, China’s recycling network will expand accordingly, potentially making Chinese companies essential partners for international firms looking to secure sustainable sources of battery materials.

China’s growing expertise in battery recycling also provides it with leverage on the geopolitical stage. Control over both new and recycled sources of critical minerals allows China to exert influence over the global EV supply chain and gives it an advantage in negotiations with companies and countries that depend on these resources.

As part of its broader strategy, China’s emphasis on recycling and sustainable practices also aligns with its ambitions to portray itself as a responsible global player in climate action, an image that is particularly important as green technology becomes more politicized on the world stage.

However, Western countries are increasingly wary of China’s closed-loop resource system. The United States, in particular, has expressed concern that China could exploit its control over the recycling supply chain to consolidate greater power in green technology.

There is also a growing fear that this influence might not only restrict access to key resources but also allow China to set the standards for sustainability in ways that serve its own interests.

These concerns reflect the intersection of circular economy initiatives and geopolitics: Even in sectors focused on environmental sustainability, competition between the US and China is strong.

China’s innovation and investment in battery recycling represent both a pragmatic response to resource scarcity and a forward-looking exploration of circular economy potential. As the global green transition gathers pace, the ability to close the loop on critical resources like EV batteries will become an increasingly valuable asset.

How countries balance their circular economy goals with a need for supply chain independence could become a defining issue in the ongoing green technology competition between the US and China. China’s role in battery recycling is likely to shape the future of green tech and thus the dynamics of international economic power in the years to come.

Lin Qin is visiting PhD Student at the Liu Institute for Asia & Asian Studies at the University of Notre Dame, and PhD student at the School of International Relations and Public Affairs at the Shanghai International Studies University. Follow her on X at @Lyinn_Chin7

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