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Photo: POSCO Future M |
[Alpha Biz= Ellie Kim] SEOUL, May 21 — POSCO Future M has decided to divest its entire remaining stake in a Chinese synthetic graphite anode materials producer, signaling a strategic shift away from China amid tightening U.S. regulations and slowing electric vehicle demand.
According to investment banking sources, the company will sell its remaining 8.3% stake in Inner Mongolia Sinosteel New Materials, following the exercise of a call option by the majority shareholder. POSCO Future M had initially acquired a 15% stake in 2021 to secure supply chains for battery materials during the EV market’s rapid expansion.
However, the landscape has since shifted significantly. U.S. regulations, including the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) rules, have heightened risks associated with Chinese supply chains, while a slowdown in EV demand has pressured the global anode materials market.
Industry observers view the divestment as part of POSCO Future M’s broader strategy to diversify its supply chain, with increasing focus on North America and domestic production. The company has also been advancing synthetic graphite production in Vietnam to reduce reliance on China.
Alphabiz Ellie Kim 인턴기자(press@alphabiz.co.kr)
