G.Evans, S & P Global Mobility, 1.11.22 said"Geopolitical...

G.Evans, S & P Global Mobility, 1.11.22 said

"Geopolitical turbulence, critical battery raw-material supply chain could curtail expansion in battery production.

Soaring prices of critical battery metals, as observed in the following chart from S&P Global Commodity Insights, are threatening supplier and OEM profit margins. This situation has quickly translated into increased component and vehicle prices, according to new analysis from S&P Global Mobility Auto Supply Chain & Technology Group.

Trade friction and ESG concerns are also affecting the development of the raw materials supply chain between markets. These collective developments add to the challenges of the electric vehicle transition.

Achieving its volume goals will require a steep growth curve for a burgeoning industry.

Elements such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt do not just magically appear and transform into EV batteries and other components. The development chain is lengthy and complex, from their difficulty to extract to their complicated refining...

Currently, China is the clear leader in materials refining, as well as the packaging and assembly of battery cells. At issue is which other nations will step up to facilitate this industry transformation.

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• Potential trade friction could represent difficulties for major auto companies in extricating themselves from an established, nimble, and cost-effective supply of processed materials coming from or via mainland China;

• Some OEMs are seeking the value and reassurance of "locked in" supply chain relationships straddling mine to vehicle, lessening the reliance on volatile spot markets and/or a need to work with less established industry partners".

https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/pglobal-mobility-special-report-121500868.html

Anyone know any large burgeoning Li, & battery precursor refined Li products', suppliers intending to forge close ties with Western EV makers- to help them achieve their increasingly scarcLi supplies?