Since the beginning of 2026, China’s lithium battery exports have maintained strong momentum, with both volume and value rising significantly. Data show that from January to February, China exported 811 million lithium-ion batteries, representing a year-on-year increase of 27.82%, while export value reached USD 14.204 billion, up 46.28% year-on-year. This growth is not coincidental, but the result of the combined effects of the global energy transition, policy tailwinds, and technological breakthroughs. Among these, lithium extraction from salt lakes, as the core raw material of lithium batteries, is playing an increasingly critical supporting role.
Surging global demand and energy transition
The deepening global shift toward green and low-carbon development is the primary driver behind the surge in lithium battery exports. As countries accelerate the deployment of new energy industries, both power battery and energy storage markets are experiencing explosive growth, creating vast opportunities for exports. From a market perspective, regional differentiation is evident, with Europe emerging as a key pillar of China’s lithium battery exports. Germany remains the largest export destination, with export value reaching USD 2.191 billion in the first two months, up 25.34% year-on-year and accounting for 15.4% of total exports. The Netherlands has shown particularly strong performance, with exports soaring to USD 889 million, marking a 175.09% increase and accounting for 6.3%. The urgency of energy security in Europe has driven rapid growth in energy storage installations, becoming a key force behind export expansion.
At the same time, Chinese lithium battery companies are accelerating their global expansion, shifting from single-product exports to comprehensive outputs of capacity, technology, and standards. CATL’s Hungary plant is scheduled to begin production in early 2026, while its joint venture in Spain and industrial chain projects in Indonesia are progressing steadily. REPT Battero has signed supply agreements with seven European partners in Italy, planning to deliver 8.3 GWh of energy storage systems over the next two years. These developments not only highlight the global competitiveness of Chinese companies but also signal a transition from “going global” to “taking root” in overseas markets.
Policy adjustments bring dual opportunities
Adjustments to export tax rebate policies in 2026 have acted as a short-term catalyst for export growth while also accelerating industry transformation. According to the new policy, the VAT export rebate rate for battery products will be reduced from 9% to 6% starting April 1, and fully eliminated from January 1, 2027. To capture the remaining policy benefits, companies have accelerated production and shipments, while overseas buyers have advanced procurement schedules, creating a “rush-to-export” effect and releasing short-term export growth.
However, this adjustment is not merely a policy rollback, but a targeted effort to guide the industry. In the long term, it will end the reliance on rebates for profit margins and low-price competition, forcing the exit of low-end capacity lacking core technologies and shifting competition toward innovation and high-value applications. This trend further underscores the importance of upstream lithium resource supply that only companies with access to low-cost, high-quality lithium resources can remain competitive. In this context, technological advancements in salt lake lithium extraction, with their cost and environmental advantages, are becoming a key competitive edge.
Salt lake lithium extraction strengthens resource foundations
The rapid development of the lithium battery industry depends on a stable upstream supply of lithium resources. As the core raw material of lithium batteries, lithium directly determines battery performance, cost, and production capacity, serving as the source of the entire value chain. The stability, security, and economic efficiency of lithium supply directly affect downstream production and delivery, as well as China’s global competitiveness in the lithium battery industry. As a major source of lithium resources, breakthroughs in salt lake lithium extraction technologies are reshaping the global supply landscape.
As a global leader in direct lithium extraction (DLE) from salt lakes, BICHEM leverages proprietary technologies to provide efficient and environmentally friendly solutions. In the face of booming global demand and industry transformation, BICHEM firmly believes that technological innovation is the core driver of sustainable development in salt lake lithium extraction and a key foundation supporting the global competitiveness of the lithium battery industry.
First, BICHEM continues to advance DLE technology iteration. By optimizing core processes such as membrane separation and adsorption based on the characteristics of different brine types, we further improve lithium recovery rates while reducing energy and water consumption to enable efficient development of global salt lake resources. Second, we promote deep integration of technology and industry, building a full-chain solution with both technology and service. From resource exploration and process design to engineering construction and operation & maintenance, BICHEM provides full lifecycle support to ensure efficient, stable, and cost-effective project operations. At the same time, we strengthen international collaboration by working with global partners to establish technical standards and promote the international adoption of DLE technologies. Finally, we adhere to a green development philosophy and integrate environmental considerations throughout technology development and project implementation, contributing to the global transition toward low-carbon energy systems.
Against the backdrop of global energy transformation, the lithium battery industry is entering an unprecedented phase of growth. Guided by technological innovation and a commitment to sustainability, BICHEM will continue to enhance its core competitiveness, collaborate with industry partners, and drive the high-quality development of salt lake lithium extraction. In doing so, we will inject stronger momentum into the global expansion of lithium battery exports and contribute to achieving global carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals.
