Korean anode materials makers are accelerating plans to localise synthetic graphite as a U.S. route for Chinese graphite shifts from high tariffs to tax credit eligibility requirements. With capacity expansions and long-term supply contracts largely concentrated in 2027, domestic cell makers have limited options to replace Chinese materials before then. Import prices have fallen, but U.S. 45X rules on prohibited foreign entities tighten from 2026.

The U.S. hydropower industry is struggling to replace and upgrade equipment due to difficulties procuring large power transformers, a report said. The analysis by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory identified nine key issues, including about 80 percent import reliance for critical raw materials and limited global capacity for ultra-high-voltage transformers. Lead times range from 2.5 to 3 years and can reach 5 years, while prices have risen about 80 percent since 2021.