Poland is the largest in Europe and the fifth-largest global supplier of lithium-ion automotive batteries or their components, reported analysts from the Polish Economic Institute (PIE). In 2021, the value of Polish exports of lithium-ion batteries amounted to over EUR 6.5 billion, which accounted for over 2% of all exports.
PIE experts noted that from 2010-to 2020, Poland increased the share of exports in the global market of electric batteries from less than 2% up to 8%.
By 2020, only Germany exported more batteries across Europe, but the growth dynamics in Poland were significantly higher.
According to OECD, the value of exports in Poland increased almost 11 times from 2010-to 2020. “Currently, 90% of electric batteries exported by Poland are lithium-ion batteries. More than half of the price of such a battery consists of the value of the cathode, i.e. lithium, which is why the current increases in the raw materials market may pose a threat to the electrification of transport”, forecasts PIE, citing the analysis of the Morgan Stanley investment bank.
According to the Institute’s analysts, the growing demand for batteries is an opportunity for the further development of the lithium industry in Poland. As a result of LG’s investments, a number of sub-suppliers have also been located in Poland in recent years, including Korean SK Hi-tech Battery Materials Poland, KET Poland, Foosung, Enchem, creating thousands of new jobs.
According to PIE experts, Poland will remain one of the leaders in battery exports. However, it seems crucial to meet the demand for raw materials to not slow down the electrification of transport.
Increased demand causes a sharp increase in the prices of metals needed in the production of batteries. The cost of lithium in April 2022 was almost 7 times higher than the year before, and the forecasts of Trading Economics and Citigroup assume further increases”, stated the Polish Economic Institute.
Analysts also cited GlobalData data, confirming that in 2030 Europe will overtake China in the number of produced electric vehicles. The T&E report shows that the demand for batteries in Europe in 2025 will amount to approximately 300 GWh, in 2030 – 700 GWh, and in 2035 – over 1,300 GWh.
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