How to manage strategic uncertainty in the battery raw materials market

Fastmarkets' checklist for corporate development leaders

As the demand for battery materials skyrockets, professionals in the CEO’s office are facing a pressing challenge: making strategic decisions that drive growth for the business. In this rapidly progressing landscape, having the right insights is critical. It provides businesses with the clarity to inform their tactics, secure their supply chains and stay ahead in the fiercely competitive battery materials market.
Is your team set for the strategic challenges ahead?

As a corporate development leader, you’re well aware of supply chain disruptions and challenges, but every team has its blind spots. This is especially true in such a volatile market. Use our checklist to ensure business success in the rapidly evolving battery materials market. Examine key questions including:

  • How well does your team understand the battery materials market?
  • Are you up-to-date with who the biggest players are, and what new resources are being developed today?
  • Does everyone in the team have access to accurate battery materials forecasts and insights?
  • Do you have visibility over supply and demand forecasts for strategic planning?
  • How do you collect insights and data on the battery materials market? How much coverage does it provide?
Find out what else is happening in the battery raw materials market

The recent US-China agreement to temporarily reduce tariffs is a major step for global trade, with tariffs on US goods entering China dropping from 125% to 10% and on Chinese goods entering the US decreasing from 145% to 30% starting May 14. While this has boosted markets and created optimism, key industries like autos and steel remain affected, leaving businesses waiting for clearer long-term trade policies.

The US-China trade truce announced on May 12 has brought cautious optimism to China’s non-ferrous metals markets, signaling a possible shift in global trade. Starting May 14, the removal of additional tariffs has impacted sectors like battery raw materials, minor metals and base metals such as zinc and nickel, with mixed reactions. While the improved sentiment has lifted futures prices and trade activity, the long-term effects remain unclear due to challenges like supply-demand pressures and export controls.

Brazil is expected to become a reference in low-cost hard-rock lithium production and an investment hub for foreign companies. But some internal challenges remain for the country, such as funding and legal uncertainties, market participants told Fastmarkets.


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