CATL and BME Partner to Build 5 GWh Battery Plant in Egypt, Targeting Local Content Rate of 40%

According to customs data, China imported 30,391 mt of lithium carbonate in August, up 14% MoM and up 39% YoY. Of this, imports from Chile were 19,950 mt, accounting for 66% of total imports; imports from Argentina were 8,719 mt, accounting for 29%; and imports from Indonesia were 1,040 mt, accounting for 3%. From January to August, China's cumulative lithium carbonate imports reached 236,000 mt, up 54% YoY. In August, China exported 260 mt of lithium carbonate, up 23% MoM but down 30% YoY. From January to August, China's cumulative lithium carbonate exports were 2,820 mt, down 12% YoY. In August, China imported 8,785 mt of lithium sulfate, down 46% MoM and down 9% YoY. From January to August, China's cumulative lithium sulfate imports reached 109,600 mt, up 72% YoY. Of this, imports from Chile were 8,344 mt, and imports from Zimbabwe were 441 mt.

On September 17, Yuedong New Energy’s semi-solid battery PACK and containerized energy-storage project officially broke ground in Yancheng, Jiangsu. Once completed, the project will have annual production capacity of 5 GWh for semi-solid battery PACKs and energy-storage containers. The project currently has orders worth more than RMB 100 million and is scheduled to complete plant renovation and equipment commissioning in November, with commercial production targeted for the end of 2026.

Hunan-based Xuetian Salt Industry plans to acquire 100% of Hebei Kuntian New Energy through a combination of share issuance and cash payment, marking its entry into the lithium-ion battery anode-material sector. Hebei Kuntian produces artificial graphite, silicon-based and hard-carbon anode materials for energy storage. However, one of the transaction counterparties has been placed under investigation by the China Securities Regulatory Commission for suspected insider trading, creating uncertainty over whether the restructuring can proceed smoothly.