[Edaily Reporter JAEMIN SONG ] "It is true that, following the Trump administration’s tightening of regulations on China and its push to restructure supply chains, interest in securing non-Chinese battery cells and stable suppliers is growing, particularly among U.S. energy storage system (ESS) operators and system integrators that previously relied on Chinese-made battery cells.

In particular, as tariffs, procurement regulations, and policy uncertainties intensify, customers with high dependence on Chinese cells are reevaluating the cost competitiveness of future projects and the potential for tax incentives.

In this environment, our battery cells are being considered as an alternative in terms of supply chain diversification, quality reliability, and responsiveness to the North American market. It is true that we are receiving an increasing number of inquiries from companies that previously used Chinese cells regarding product specifications, available supply volumes, pricing terms, and the possibility of long-term contracts.

However, we believe that the actual decision to switch contracts will be determined by a comprehensive evaluation of factors including regulations, pricing, compliance with local procurement requirements, certifications, delivery schedules, and project-specific technical specifications."

…SK Innovation Q3 2026 Conference Call