CATL said on April 21, 2026, that sodium-ion batteries are ready for mass production this year, a move that could loosen pressure on lithium, copper and graphite supply chains if the chemistry proves durable at scale.
DARPA has opened a fresh inquiry into graphene production and manufacturing, asking industry to detail capabilities, limits and costs in a move that points to growing defense interest in scalable supply chains for the material.
Asian lithium prices are set to stay elevated into the second quarter after Zimbabwe suspended lithium concentrate exports and other supply disruptions hit the battery-material chain.
USA Rare Earth said on April 15, 2026, that it completed its first commercial yttrium metal production, adding a new industrial material to its expanding rare-earth platform.
Aqua Metals and 6K Energy have signed a multi-year supply agreement that formalizes a route for future domestic battery materials supply, linking recycled metals and U.S. cathode production in one commercial framework.
Tesla and LG Energy Solution have signed a $4.3 billion battery supply agreement tied to Megapack production in the United States, according to a March 16 Reuters report and a U.S. government statement. The deal highlights how grid-storage demand is pulling more battery manufacturing into domestic supply chains.
