Global Traction Battery Cathode Material Industrial Chain Trade Analysis: A Multilayer Modeling Approach

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Economics
• Supply Chain Management

Background:

• The electric vehicle (EV) market's rapid growth necessitates increased demand for traction batteries.
• Traction batteries are crucial for achieving low-carbon transportation and carbon neutrality goals.
• Understanding the global cathode material industrial chain is vital for EV battery supply.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the trade patterns and evolution of the global cathode material industrial chain for traction batteries.
• To identify key trading countries and network structures from 2000 to 2021.
• To explore the geographic shifts and changes in global trade relationships.

Main Methods:

• Utilized multilayer network theory to analyze trade data.
• Examined network structures and key trading countries between 2000 and 2021.
• Quantified global trade volume and geographic distribution.

Main Results:

• Industrial networks exhibit multi-core trading country characteristics, with strengthened trade among the top 20 countries (over 80% of global trade).
• The geographic center of trade has expanded globally, including Africa, South America, and Oceania, moving beyond traditional hubs in Europe, North America, and East Asia.
• Australia surpassed Japan as the top exporter by 2021, and China overtook the United States as the top importer, indicating significant shifts in market leadership.

Conclusions:

• Global trade in EV battery cathode materials is increasingly interconnected and geographically dispersed.
• Shifting trade dynamics necessitate adaptation in the strategies of leading nations.
• The evolution of the industrial chain reflects the growing importance of EVs in global sustainability efforts.