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.

More mid-sized and small companies are entering advanced industries using South Korea’s corporate restructuring scheme. The Industry Ministry panel approved 31 firms in three rounds from December to July, with plans to invest 439.5 billion won over five years and hire 927 people. Many shift existing process technologies into new markets such as semiconductor glass substrates, AR modules and EV components. The ministry is offering investment-attraction consulting, while petrochemicals pursue capacity cuts through separate restructuring projects.