Pack lithium battery trade

What is the US tariff policy on lithium ion batteries?

In April 2025, the U.S. government updated its tariff policy on lithium-ion batteries imported from China. The current tariff structure includes: A 3.4% global tariff on lithium-ion batteries, regardless of origin. A Section 301 tariff targeting Chinese imports, currently at 7.5%, is scheduled to rise to 25% by January 2026.

Which country imports the most lithium batteries in the world?

China dominates the global lithium battery supply chain, producing over 75% of the world’s lithium-ion battery cells. The U.S. imports nearly 70% of its lithium batteries from China, making tariffs on these products highly impactful. The U.S. aims to build a resilient domestic battery industry to support its clean energy goals.

Can lithium-ion batteries be shipped around the world?

Lithium-ion batteries can be shipped around the world; however, some transportation methods will have different rules. For example, the IATA and ICAO have specific rules for shipping lithium-ion batteries by air. There have been incidents of batteries causing fires within the aircraft and forcing emergency landings.

How does US trade policy affect lithium-ion battery production & deployment?

Gaps in U.S. trade policy also drive up the costs of LIB production and deployment in the United States, as well as the manufacturing and deployment costs of key LIB-powered products. Current U.S. most-favored nation (MFN) rates for lithium-ion battery products still impose barriers on the ability to procure these goods.

Should you sell or buy old Lithium-ion batteries?

With the average battery only set to last eight years, some of those 2017 batteries could need to be replaced and disposed of by 2025. Battery users tend to substitute their expired batteries after aging, overuse, or overcharging occurs. Once this happens, the process to sell or buy scrap lithium-ion batteries becomes significant.

Are lithium-ion batteries rechargeable?

Lithium-ion batteries have a secondary cell construction, which means they are rechargeable. Because of their high energy density, faster charging times, long life, and easy integration, lithium-ion batteries have become increasingly popular. Things to consider when shipping lithium-ion batteries