Trade in used lithium-ion batteries: policy makers could contribute to the green transition

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Being able to sell and buy used and recycled batteries is a very important part of the green transition. But today the trade with used batteries is restricted. In a new report, the National Board of Trade Sweden propose how trade policy could facilitate the international trade in used batteries.

In the future, cars, trucks, and other vehicles will almost only be powered by electricity instead of fossil fuels. Demand for lithium-ion batteries is expected to rise sharply. Therefore, it will be important to be able to use used batteries to meet the increasing demand.

But today the trade with used batteries is restricted, and it is difficult for companies and countries to export and import used batteries.

– Some older rules could be adjusted and become more modern so that trade can help in the transition to a more sustainable, circular economy, says Isaac Ouro-Nimini, trade policy adviser.

Read the full report here.