This sounds...like us.STEVEN BOROWIEC, Nikkei staff...

This sounds...like us.

STEVEN BOROWIEC, Nikkei staff writerOctober 24, 2023 11:15 JSTSEOUL -- South Korea is working to secure alternative supplies of graphite after China announced tightened export controls, as Seoul struggles to minimize the impact it faces from the trade war between Beijing and Washington.The South Korean industry ministry said on Monday that it will take steps to prevent shortages of graphite, which is used in production of EV batteries, an important growth sector for the country. Ministry officials held a meeting the same day with industry heavyweights including the country's three largest battery makers -- LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI and SK On -- as well as trade associations and POSCO Future M, a producer of industrial materials."As there are great concerns over the effect of this measure on our high-tech industry," ministry official Jang Young-jin said, "we plan to thoroughly prepare all possible measures."In a news release, the trade ministry announced measures meant to stave off any manufacturing disruptions. The ministry said it would communicate directly with trade authorities in China, while allocating funds for domestic production of artificial graphite and seeking substitute supplies from countries with graphite deposits such as Tanzania and Mozambique.