[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Samsung SDI is pursuing an equity investment in precursor producer Pino as part of efforts to strengthen its battery materials supply chain and reduce reliance on Chinese-linked sources.

According to industry sources on March 26, Samsung SDI is currently in the process of acquiring a stake in Pino. While the exact investment size has not been disclosed, market observers suggest the deal could be large enough to secure management control. The funding is reportedly being finalized in collaboration with overseas investors.

Pino is the Korean subsidiary of CNGR Advanced Material, with CNGR and its affiliates holding a near-majority stake, effectively placing the company under Chinese capital influence.

The investment is widely seen as a strategic move to navigate U.S. regulatory requirements, particularly those related to “Prohibited Foreign Entities” (PFE). The U.S. government is expected to gradually restrict the use of battery materials sourced from certain countries in energy storage systems (ESS), a policy that industry participants interpret as targeting Chinese-origin materials.

Samsung SDI is currently advancing plans to manufacture ESS batteries in Indiana and intends to source lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode materials from L&F. However, the company remains dependent on Pino for LFP precursors, underscoring the need to restructure its upstream supply chain to ensure compliance with evolving U.S. regulations.

 

 

 

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