Lithium Ion Battery Cathode Material Market Summary
As per Market Research Future Analysis, the Global Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Material Market was valued at USD 12,216.88 million in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 22,499.40 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.98% from 2023 to 2030. The market growth is driven by the increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and portable electronic devices, alongside advancements in battery technology. The automotive sector is the largest end-use segment, significantly influencing the demand for cathode materials. Key players are focusing on R&D and sustainable practices to enhance product offerings and reduce carbon footprints.
Key Market Trends & Highlights
The Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Material Market is experiencing significant growth driven by various trends.
- Projected market size growth from USD 13,141.70 million in 2023 to USD 22,499.40 million by 2030.
- Automotive segment expected to dominate market revenue due to rising EV adoption.
- Cobalt type cathode materials projected to lead in market revenue during the forecast period.
- Sustainable practices, including recycling initiatives, are gaining traction in the industry.
Market Size & Forecast
2022 Market Size: USD 12,216.88 million
2023 Market Size: USD 13,141.70 million
2030 Market Size: USD 22,499.40 million
CAGR (2023-2030): 7.98%
Largest End-Use Segment: Automotive.
Major Players
Key players include BYD Co Ltd, LG Chem Ltd, Samsung SDI Co Ltd, BASF SE, Hunan Yuneng New Energy Battery Material Co Ltd, NEI Corporation, Targray Technology International Inc, Nichias Corp, JFE Mineral & Alloy Company, LTD, and Fujitsu Limited.

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review
Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Material Market Trends
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Increasing demand for electric vehicles will fuel the growth of the Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Material Market.
The rapid growth and advancements in the automotive industry are spurring the global demand for electric vehicles (EVs). This is largely driven by favorable government regulations, including subsidies, tax rebates, and new car registration policies to promote cleaner and greener transportation options. The increasing awareness and focus on reducing carbon emissions, coupled with the introduction of fast and advanced charging infrastructure, are further boosting the sales of EVs. This, in turn, creates the demand for lithium-based batteries in electric vehicles. These batteries typically contain manganese, cobalt, graphite, nickel, and other components. The prices of lithium-ion batteries have significantly decreased due to economies of scale and the implementation of more cost-effective manufacturing methods. Additionally, the commercial electric sector is also witnessing growth, particularly in countries like India and China, where the adoption of electric buses is on the rise.
As governments worldwide emphasize the transition to cleaner transportation, EVs have gained significant popularity among consumers. This surge in demand for EVs has a direct impact on the need for high-performance lithium-ion batteries, creating a strong market for cathode materials.
To meet the energy requirements of EVs, manufacturers are focusing on developing advanced cathode materials that offer improved energy density and longer battery life. Nickel-rich cathodes, in particular, have gained traction due to their higher energy storage capabilities. This development has spurred research and development activities to further enhance cathode performance and explore innovative materials. In addition to EVs, the growing adoption of renewable energy storage systems, such as residential and grid-scale batteries, also contributes to the increasing demand for lithium-ion battery cathode materials. These systems rely on high-performance batteries to store energy generated from renewable sources and ensure a stable power supply.
Furthermore, efforts are underway to optimize production processes and reduce the cost of cathode materials, making them more economically viable and accessible. Sustainable alternatives and recycling initiatives are also gaining prominence, reflecting the industry's commitment to environmental responsibility.
In June 2024, Ascend Elements achieved a significant accomplishment in the U.S. battery materials sector by successfully delivering decarbonized cathode materials to Freudenberg e-Power Systems. Freudenberg e-Power Systems is a global leader in providing emissions-neutral energy solutions for heavy-duty applications. Ascend Elements utilizes a patented technique called Hydro-to-Cathode® direct precursor synthesis to produce NMC pCAM and CAM materials from recycled lithium-ion batteries and trash generated during battery manufacturing. The closed-loop technique eliminates a maximum of 15 intermediate steps in the conventional cathode manufacturing process and offers substantial economic and carbon reduction advantages. An independent third-party conducted a recent life cycle assessment which revealed that Ascend Elements' Hydro-to-Cathode® process generates EV battery cathode material with a 49% decrease in carbon emissions compared to conventional cathode manufacturing methods. The company's goal is to achieve a 90% decrease in carbon footprint for their decarbonized cathode products by 2030.
Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Material Market Segment Insights
Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Material by Type Insights
The Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Material Market segmentation, based on Type has been segmented as Cobalt, Manganese, Phosphate, Nickel Cobalt Manganese, Lithium Iron Phosphate and Others. Among these, the Cobalt type is projected to dominate the Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Material Market revenue through the projected period. Cobalt is used in the cathode material for NMC, NCA and LCO chemistries. Cobalt is mined independently or as a by-product of nickel and copper production. The demand for cobalt in lithium-ion battery cathode materials has been increasing in recent years, primarily driven by the growing electric vehicle (EV) market. Electric vehicles rely on lithium-ion batteries for their power storage, and as the demand for EVs continues to rise, so does the demand for cobalt.
Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Material by End-Use Insights
Based on End-use, the Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Material Market is segmented as Electrical & Electronics, Automotive, Energy, Medical and Others. Out of which the Automotive segment dominated base year market and is also projected to dominate the Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Material Market revenue through the projected period. The dominance of the automotive sector is primarily attributed to the significant utilization of cathode materials in vehicle batteries. The increasing demand for fuel and the declining prices of Li-ion batteries have incentivized automobile manufacturers to invest more in electric vehicles. According to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), global vehicle production witnessed a growth of 3% in 2021, reaching 80.2 million units compared to the previous year's production of 77.6 million units. The trend continued in 2022, with automotive production increasing by 6% and reaching 85.01 million units. The rising production of vehicles, driven by the growing consumer demand, is a key factor propelling the market growth.
Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Material by Application Insights
Based on Application, the Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Material Market is segmented as Power Tools, Medical Equipment, Consumer Electronics and Others. Out of which the Consumer Electronics segment dominated the base year market and is also projected to be holding a dominating share in the forecasted period as well. Consumer electronics, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and wearable devices, have witnessed a surge in demand globally. Lithium-ion battery cathode materials have become the preferred choice for these devices due to their high energy density, compact size, and lightweight properties. The use of these materials in consumer electronics has resulted in longer battery life, faster charging times, and improved overall performance.
Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Material Regional Insights
Based on Region, the Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Material market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. The Asia-Pacific Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Material market held the maximum market share and is also expected to account for the significant revenue share during the forecast period. Regional growth in the Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Material materials market is anticipated to be fostered by rapid urbanization and the increasing consumer spending on electric vehicles. In India, many domestic companies are strategically collaborating with overseas companies and establishing new production plants to manufacture EV batteries using indigenous battery materials. This development is expected to drive the growth of the Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Material Market in the region.
The growth in APAC is primarily driven by the increased usage of electric vehicles (EVs) and the demand for batteries in various industrial sectors such as telecommunications, railways, electricity, and other industrial applications. The automotive sector, in particular, contributes significantly to the demand for battery materials in the APAC region. Furthermore, the growing adoption of lithium-ion batteries in energy storage systems and government regulations to boost vehicle fuel efficiency and rapid industrialization is expected to drive the global demand for lithium-ion battery cathodes. Customizing lithium-ion batteries based on the cobalt content within the cathode allows for cost optimization in battery manufacturing. This customization helps reduce the overall manufacturing costs of lithium-ion batteries. As a result, there is a shift towards using cost-effective batteries across various industries, including oil, coal, and renewable energy. This shift is expected to further fuel the global demand for lithium-ion battery cathodes.
Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Material Key Market Players & Competitive Insights
Key market players are emphasizing significantly on R&D for increasing their product offerings, which will further help the Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Material Market to grow considerably. Market players are adopting several business development strategies such as acquisitions, mergers, collaborations, and partnerships to enhance their market presence and acquire a larger customer base. To survive in the competitive market, industry players must provide cost effective products.
The Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Material market is very competitive with market players trying to develop unique and innovative products and solutions, which could render the competitors’ offerings obsolete. The competitive environment is likely to grow further owing to rising technological advancements. Some of the key players operating in the Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Material Market are BYD Co Ltd, LG Chem Ltd, Samsung SDI Co Ltd, BASF SE, Hunan Yuneng New Energy Battery Material Co Ltd, NEI Corporation, Targray Technology International Inc, Nichias Corp, JFE Mineral & Alloy Company, LTD, and Fujitsu Limited. To increase their global reach and client base, key firms are concentrating on acquisitions and product innovation.
BYD Co Ltd: BYD Co Ltd (BYD) designs, manufactures and sells rechargeable batteries, photovoltaic products, handset components and other electronic products. The company also offers whole product assembly services. It manufactures and offers traditional fuel-engine vehicles and new energy vehicles. The range of products developed by the company includes rechargeable batteries, photovoltaics, handset components, smartphone, laptop, notebook computers, game hardware and other consumer-related products. Automobile products include high-end, medium-end, and low-end cars, and whole car moulds, auto parts, DM (dual mode) and pure electric vehicles. It offers its products and services to handset manufacturers, electric power tools and other portable electronic equipment manufacturers. The company operates across the US, Europe, Japan, India, Hong Kong and other regions. BYD is headquartered in Shenzhen, China.
LG Chem Ltd: LG Chem Ltd is a Korea-based company principally engaged in the manufacture of petrochemical materials. The Company operates its business through five segments. The Petrochemistry Business segment is mainly engaged in the manufacture of basic materials which are mainly used for petrochemical industry, and the products include polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resins, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), poly styrene (PS), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The Battery Business segment mainly engages in the manufacture of rechargeable batteries for mobile phone, automobile and storage batteries. The Advanced Materials Business segment mainly manufactures optical materials for manufacturing polarizers, and electronic materials including liquid crystal display (LCD) materials and cathode materials. The Life Science Business segment engages in the bio pharmaceutical business. The Common and Other segment manufactures and sells crop protection agents, fertilizers and seeds. LG Chem is a leading global supplier of lithium-ion battery cathode materials. The company has a strong track record of innovation and has developed some of the most advanced cathode materials on the market. LG Chem is committed to providing its customers with the best possible battery performance and safety.
Key Companies in the Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Material Market includes
- LG Chem Ltd (South Korea)
- Samsung SDI Co Ltd (Korea)
- Hunan Yuneng New Energy Battery Material Co Ltd (China)
- Targray Technology International Inc (Canada)
- JFE Mineral & Alloy Company, LTD (Japan)
Lithium Ion Battery Cathode Material Industry Developments
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Q2 2025: POSCO Future M to build $1.1 bln battery material plant in Canada POSCO Future M announced plans to invest $1.1 billion in a new cathode material plant in Quebec, Canada, to supply North American electric vehicle battery manufacturers. The facility is expected to begin operations in 2027.
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Q2 2025: LG Energy Solution, GM Open Joint Battery Plant in Michigan LG Energy Solution and General Motors officially opened their joint battery cell manufacturing facility in Michigan, which will produce advanced lithium-ion battery cathode materials for GM’s next-generation electric vehicles.
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Q2 2025: BASF starts production at new cathode active materials plant in Germany BASF began operations at its new cathode active materials plant in Schwarzheide, Germany, aiming to supply European automakers with locally produced battery materials and reduce reliance on Asian imports.
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Q1 2025: Umicore and PowerCo sign long-term supply agreement for EV battery materials Umicore entered a multi-year supply agreement with Volkswagen’s PowerCo to provide high-nickel cathode materials for European electric vehicle battery production.
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Q1 2025: Nano One and Sumitomo Metal Mining Announce Strategic Partnership for LFP Cathode Commercialization Nano One and Sumitomo Metal Mining formed a strategic partnership to commercialize lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode materials using Nano One’s proprietary process technology.
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Q4 2024: Eramet and BASF to build nickel-cobalt refining plant for battery materials in Indonesia Eramet and BASF announced a joint venture to construct a nickel and cobalt refining facility in Indonesia, targeting the supply of key raw materials for lithium-ion battery cathode production.
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Q4 2024: SK On secures $944 million in funding to expand US battery materials plant SK On raised $944 million in new funding to expand its lithium-ion battery cathode materials manufacturing facility in Georgia, supporting growing demand from US electric vehicle makers.
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Q3 2024: CATL launches new high-manganese cathode battery for EVs Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) unveiled a new high-manganese cathode battery, aiming to lower costs and improve energy density for electric vehicles.
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Q3 2024: Albemarle to build lithium conversion plant in South Carolina Albemarle announced plans to construct a lithium conversion facility in South Carolina, which will supply lithium hydroxide for use in advanced cathode materials for electric vehicle batteries.
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Q2 2024: American Battery Technology Company Opens Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Plant in Nevada American Battery Technology Company opened a new facility in Nevada dedicated to recycling lithium-ion batteries and recovering cathode materials for reuse in battery manufacturing.
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Q2 2024: Livent and 3M Announce Collaboration on Next-Generation Cathode Materials Livent and 3M entered into a collaboration to develop and commercialize next-generation lithium-ion battery cathode materials with improved performance for electric vehicles and energy storage.
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Q1 2024: Johnson Matthey appoints new CEO to lead battery materials business Johnson Matthey appointed a new chief executive officer to oversee its battery materials division, signaling a renewed focus on innovation and growth in lithium-ion cathode materials.
Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Material Market Segmentation
Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Material Type Outlook
Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Material End-Use Outlook
Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Material Application Outlook
Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Material Regional Outlook
- Middle East & Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
Report Attribute/Metric |
Details |
Market Size 2022 |
USD 12,216.88 million |
Market Size 2023 |
USD 13,141.70 million |
Market Size 2030 |
USD 22,499.40 million |
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) |
7.98% (2023-2030) |
Base Year |
2022 |
Forecast Period |
2023-2030 |
Historical Data |
2019 & 2021 |
Forecast Units |
Value (USD Million) |
Report Coverage |
Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
Segments Covered |
Type, End-Use, Application and Region |
Geographies Covered |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America |
Countries Covered |
US, Canada, Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, GCC, South Africa. |
Key Companies Profiled |
BYD Co Ltd (China), LG Chem Ltd (South Korea), Samsung SDI Co Ltd (Korea), BASF SE (Germany), Hunan Yuneng New Energy Battery Material Co Ltd (China), NEI Corporation (US), Targray Technology International Inc (Canada), Nichias Corp (Japan), JFE Mineral & Alloy Company, LTD (Japan), Fujitsu Limited (Japan) |
Key Market Opportunities |
·      Government initiatives and recycling create favorable market |
Key Market Dynamics |
·      Increasing demand for electric vehicles to boost market growth.·      High demand for lithium-ion cathode technology in renewable energy industries |
Lithium Ion Battery Cathode Material Market Highlights:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
BYD Co Ltd (China), LG Chem Ltd (South Korea), Samsung SDI Co Ltd (Korea), BASF SE (Germany), Hunan Yuneng New Energy Battery Material Co Ltd (China), NEI Corporation (US), Targray Technology International Inc (Canada), Nichias Corp (Japan), JFE Mineral & Alloy Company, LTD (Japan), Fujitsu Limited (Japan)