US Battery Makers Shift Supply Chain to South Korea Amid 2026 China Restrictions

The sky is closing for Chinese-made power. American battery makers are aggressively shifting their supply chains from China to South Korea. It's a strategic pivot triggered by Washington's tightened restrictions on drones and eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft. According to Nikkei Asia, as of January 19, 2026, these firms are racing to decouple from Chinese dependencies to maintain access to the US market.

Strategic Pivot in the US Battery Supply Chain Shift

The US government hasn't been subtle about its intentions. They're prioritizing domestic security by curbing the use of Chinese technology in critical flight infrastructure. South Korea has emerged as the clear winner in this reshuffle, offering the high-tech manufacturing base that American firms desperately need to stay airborne.

A New Geopolitical Map for Future Mobility

This isn't just about drones; it's a fundamental redraw of the global tech map. By aligning with South Korean partners, US companies aren't just following rules—they're securing a more resilient, non-adversarial supply chain. Meanwhile, Chinese suppliers are finding themselves locked out of high-growth sectors in the West.