Trade Policy Impacts on Battery Manufacturing

Movers & Makers

How could a potential new Trump administration reshape international trade policies and impact the global battery manufacturing supply chain?

In this episode, we dive deep into the intricate world of battery manufacturing amidst the ever-evolving global political landscape. How will President Trump’s return reshape the industry? We explore Canada's significant role in the battery supply chain and how U.S. policies are influencing its political and economic strategies. We’ll analyze Elon Musk's approaches to navigating these political waves, the transition from nickel-based to iron-based batteries, and the critical influence of China in lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery production.

We also delve into the impact of U.S.-China trade tensions, including recent export bans on crucial materials and their potential effects on the U.S. battery supply chain. Gain insights into the investment dynamics within the industry, the influence of the Inflation Reduction Act, and the possible shifts in policy under different administrations.

In This Episode:

• (00:00) Supply chain impacts and policy projections, potential shifts under a new Trump administration, and how U.S. policies might influence Canada's political landscape and natural resource management
• (10:00) Elon Musk's strategic responses to the political landscape
• (17:59) China's role in lithium iron phosphate battery production and the impact of U.S.-China trade tensions on the U.S. battery supply chain
• (34:00) Investment dynamics in battery manufacturing, emphasizing the influence of the Inflation Reduction Act, DOE grants, and potential policy shifts under different administrations
• (36:00) Forward-looking perspective on the battery industry, the importance of staying informed about geopolitical developments, and a teaser for upcoming episodes
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About the show:

The Movers and Makers podcast, powered by Diagon.ai, explores the future of manufacturing and supply chain innovation. Hosted by Diagon co-founders Will Drewery and Greg Smyth, the show will cover factory-building strategies, manufacturing processes, and market insights. With expertise from Diagon, a leader in reshoring and streamlining manufacturing equipment procurement, the podcast offers valuable perspectives for engineers, executives, and enthusiasts, aiming to optimize supply chains and drive efficiency in the industry.

About the hosts:
Will Drewery Will Drewery is the founder and CEO of Diagon, an equipment marketplace focused on serving the battery industry. With a background in equipment procurement, Will's career began as a DOD contractor in Iraq in 2009, followed by significant experience at Tesla (2012-2018), where he built and led the equipment procurement team. He also gained valuable tech expertise working with Social Construct and Astra. In February 2024, Will successfully led Diagon through a pivot from a procurement software model to its current marketplace focus, raising $4.3M in Series A funding. His mission is to simplify the complex processes of sourcing, financing, and managing machinery for high-tech industries, particularly in batteries and aerospace.

Greg Smyth is a co-founder and current VP of Supply Chain for Diagon, as well as a venture partner and podcast host. Greg has extensive experience in engineering, supply chain management, and investment. Originally from Newfoundland, Canada, Greg worked at ExxonMobil for 8 years before moving to Silicon Valley in 2016. At Tesla, he spent 4 years negotiating contracts, leading the development of self-driving hardware, and managing full life cycle commodity procurement—from raw materials to recycling. Greg is also an angel investor who continues to drive Diagon’s growth and success.

Resources:

China proposes fresh export curbs on EV technology

China proposes restrictions on lithium and cathode technology exports

Diagon.ai

Will Drewery LinkedIn
Greg Smyth LinkedIn
Movers & Makers: Product of the Future January 30th in Stanford, CA