China is predicted to continue dominating the global production of lithium-ion batteries this year, with production expected to exceed 1,500 GWh, of which over 1,000 GWh will be produced in China. Chinese battery manufacturers have already invested over 100 billion yuan in the construction of over 40 lithium-ion battery production facilities overseas. Higher tariffs on Chinese electric cars in the US and Europe are expected to prompt Chinese EV and battery manufacturers to establish factories overseas to reduce costs and enhance competitiveness. China is also looking to diversify its trade relationships, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region and Brazil, to mitigate potential market share loss. Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, with preferential policies and subsidies for battery manufacturing, could attract more Chinese EV and battery manufacturers. The European Commission and the US have imposed additional tariffs on imported Chinese EVs, with the EU accusing China of unfair subsidies to dominate the global market. The current tariffs are expected to have a minor impact on Chinese EV imports into the US. However, the demand for battery energy storage systems is expected to rise in the short-term as the tariff on energy storage batteries will take effect in 2026. The United States, the European Union, and Turkey have also imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) in a move that reveals a deeper strategic competition centered around nickel, a crucial metal for EV batteries and aerospace technologies. Indonesia, with its extensive nickel reserves, is at the heart of this competition and is seeking to upgrade its nickel production to meet the growing demand for high-purity nickel needed for EV batteries. China is making strategic investments to secure its supply chains and expand its manufacturing capabilities in the EV market. The success of Indonesia's nickel ambitions will depend on technological innovations in refining and processing, as well as advancements in recycling technologies for used batteries. The United States' dependence on nickel imports highlights the importance of securing domestic sources, and Alaska Energy Metals is leading efforts to develop a large-scale nickel project in Alaska. The geopolitical landscape underscores the importance of strategic resource management and innovation in meeting global energy needs sustainably.