Back to supply chains
Where does Panasonic Energy source its components?
Japan. Supply chain mapped to 36 inputs across 8 countries.
Federal screeningClean
No federal designation found. Panasonic Energy is not named on any of the 3 federal restricted-party lists screened for this record (DOD Section 1260H, BIS Entity List, OFAC SDN List), and Japan is not a covered nation under the FEOC rules. Is Panasonic Energy a Foreign Entity of Concern?
Upstream sourcing exposure
Medium25% weighted
4 in covered nations - 10 elevated, of 36 nodes.
Where inputs are mined and refined. Not a FEOC determination for the company -- see the federal list screening above.
Refining chokepoint
2 of 8 processing/refining steps in covered nations
Producer1
Component8
Processing / Refining8
Raw Material10
Mine / Extraction9
designated covered nation elevated no known factor not assessed
Loading chain view...
Sourcing Concentration by Country
Covered NationAllied NationOther
Sourcing risk across the graph
Where each input is mined or refined. Not a FEOC determination for the company.
0
Designated (0%)
4
Covered nation (11%)
10
Elevated (28%)
22
No known factor (61%)
Legend
Node Types
Producer
Supplier
Component
Processing / Refining
Raw Material
Mine / Extraction
Logistics
Sourcing risk
Federally designated - named on a restricted-party list
Covered nation - sited in China, Russia, Iran or North Korea
Elevated - documented concentration risk, no federal listing
No known risk factor - not a compliance clearance
Not assessed - no sourcing judgement was made
Relationships
Transformation - manufactures / assembles
Refining - midstream processing (FEOC chokepoint)
Supply handoff - supplies / sources from
Arrows point in the direction material flows (input to product).
Every mapped input in the Panasonic Energy supply chain
36 nodes, grouped by supply-chain tier. Sourcing risk describes where an input is mined or refined; it is not a FEOC determination for Panasonic Energy.
Producer (1)
| Input | Origin | Sourcing risk | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic EnergyHQ Osaka, Japan; cell plants: Sparks NV & De Soto KS (USA), Kansai (Japan) | Japan | No known risk factor | Cylindrical Li-ion cells (1865/2170/4680, NCA chemistry); primary Tesla supplier. US capacity ~73 GWh combined. |
Component (8)
| Input | Origin | Sourcing risk | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCA Cathode Active MaterialSumitomo Metal Mining, Niihama, Ehime, Japan | Japan | No known risk factor | Nickel-Cobalt-Aluminum (NCA) cathode; supplied by Sumitomo Metal Mining. Capacity scaling 60k→180k t/yr by 2031. |
| Anode Active Material (graphite/silicon) | Multiple | Elevated sourcing risk | Graphite + silicon anode blend. Historically China natural graphite; diversifying to US synthetic + silicon. |
| Electrolyte (LiPF6 in carbonate solvents) | Japan | Elevated sourcing risk | LiPF6 salt dissolved in EC/DMC/EMC carbonate solvents; Japanese and Chinese sourcing. |
| Polyolefin SeparatorAsahi Kasei / Toray, Japan | Japan | No known risk factor | Wet-process ceramic-coated PE/PP separator; Japanese majors dominate high-end supply. |
| Copper Foil (anode current collector)Mitsui Mining & Smelting / Furukawa Electric, Japan/Taiwan/Malaysia | Japan | No known risk factor | Ultra-thin electrodeposited copper foil; Japanese majors lead high-performance foil. |
| Aluminum Foil (cathode current collector) | Multiple | Elevated sourcing risk | Battery-grade aluminum foil current collector; China dominates battery foil rolling capacity. |
| Cell Can & Housing (nickel-plated steel/aluminum) | Japan | No known risk factor | Cylindrical cell can and terminal hardware; steel/aluminum precision components. |
| pCAM Precursor (Ni-Co-Al hydroxide)Sumitomo Metal Mining, Japan | Japan | No known risk factor | Precursor cathode active material; co-precipitated hydroxide of nickel, cobalt, aluminum before lithiation. |
Processing and refining (8)
| Input | Origin | Sourcing risk | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mixed Nickel-Cobalt Sulfide (MS intermediate)Coral Bay & Taganito HPAL, Philippines (SMM) | Philippines | No known risk factor | HPAL plants produce Ni-Co mixed sulfide, then shipped to Japan for refining — allied-controlled midstream. |
| SMM Niihama Nickel RefineryNiihama, Ehime, Japan | Japan | No known risk factor | Refines mixed sulfide into electrolytic nickel and nickel sulfate; key non-China refining chokepoint. |
| SMM Cobalt Refining (Japan)Niihama/Harima, Japan | Japan | No known risk factor | Electrolytic cobalt/cobalt sulfate recovered from Philippine mixed sulfide in Japan — allied refining. |
| Cobalt Refining (China)Chinese cobalt refineries | China | Covered nation | China controls ~80% of global cobalt refining; DRC-origin cobalt refined in China is a FEOC chokepoint. |
| Lithium Refining (China)Chinese lithium conversion plants | China | Covered nation | China refines the majority of world spodumene into battery-grade lithium — dominant FEOC chokepoint. |
| Lithium Refining (ioneer Rhyolite Ridge)Rhyolite Ridge, Nevada, USA | United States | No known risk factor | Lithium carbonate under offtake to PPES (Toyota-Panasonic JV); only US lithium-boron deposit. |
| Lithium Refining (Nemaska / Bécancour)Bécancour, Québec, Canada | Canada | No known risk factor | Lithium hydroxide conversion; Rio Tinto-backed Nemaska; allied North American midstream. |
| Alumina Refining / Aluminum Smelting | Multiple | Elevated sourcing risk | Bauxite refined to alumina then smelted; China leads global primary aluminum output. |
Raw material (10)
| Input | Origin | Sourcing risk | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickel SulfateSMM Niihama Nickel Refinery & Harima Refinery, Japan | Japan | No known risk factor | Battery-grade nickel sulfate refined in Japan from Philippine mixed-sulfide; allied midstream (rare non-China refining). |
| Cobalt Sulfate | Multiple | Elevated sourcing risk | Battery-grade cobalt sulfate; SMM Japan-refined path is clean, but broad market cobalt is China-refined. |
| Lithium Hydroxide / Carbonate | Multiple | Elevated sourcing risk | Battery-grade lithium chemical; allied (US/Canada/Japan) and China-refined paths coexist. |
| Aluminum (cathode dopant + foil) | Multiple | Elevated sourcing risk | Aluminum used in NCA cathode structure and current-collector foil; smelting mixed allied/China. |
| Synthetic Graphite AnodeNovonix, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA | United States | No known risk factor | Binding deal: ≥10,000 t over 4 yrs from 2025; US-made synthetic graphite reduces China dependence. |
| Natural Graphite Anode (spherical/coated)Chinese anode plants | China | Covered nation | China supplies ~97% of anode active material; spherical graphite purified/coated in China — FEOC chokepoint. |
| Silicon Anode Material (Titan Silicon)Sila Nanotechnologies, Moses Lake, Washington, USA | United States | No known risk factor | Nano-composite silicon anode for next-gen Panasonic cells; first US automotive-scale silicon anode plant. |
| Silicon MetalUS silicon supply deal | United States | No known risk factor | Panasonic signed US silicon metal supply to feed silicon-anode strategy; reduces China silicon reliance. |
| Lithium Hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6 salt)Central Glass Co., Japan | Japan | Elevated sourcing risk | Key electrolyte salt; Central Glass (Japan) pioneered liquid LiPF6; China also major LiPF6 source. |
| Copper Cathode (foil feedstock) | Multiple | Elevated sourcing risk | Refined copper cathode feeds electrodeposited foil; China leads copper refining/smelting. |
Mine and extraction (9)
| Input | Origin | Sourcing risk | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickel Laterite OreTaganito / Rio Tuba, Philippines | Philippines | No known risk factor | Nickel laterite ore feeding SMM's HPAL plants; allied-country extraction. |
| Cobalt Ore (DRC)Katanga copper-cobalt belt, DRC | Democratic Republic Of Congo | Elevated sourcing risk | ~70% of Congo mining sector Chinese-controlled; artisanal/child-labor concerns; feeds China refiners. |
| Cobalt Ore (Philippines, co-product)Taganito / Rio Tuba, Philippines | Philippines | No known risk factor | Cobalt recovered as co-product of Philippine nickel laterite; allied path via SMM to Japan. |
| Spodumene (hard-rock lithium)Pilbara / Western Australia | Australia | No known risk factor | Allied-mined spodumene concentrate; most is shipped to China for conversion (flagged downstream). |
| Lithium-Boron Ore (Rhyolite Ridge)Esmeralda County, Nevada, USA | United States | No known risk factor | ioneer lithium-boron deposit; domestic mine feeding PPES offtake. |
| Spodumene (Whabouchi / PAK)Whabouchi, Québec / PAK, Ontario | Canada | No known risk factor | Nemaska Whabouchi + Frontier Lithium PAK (MOU with Panasonic Mar 2026); allied hard-rock lithium. |
| Bauxite OreWestern Australia / Queensland | Australia | No known risk factor | Allied bauxite; much refined/smelted in China downstream. |
| Natural Flake Graphite OreHeilongjiang / Inner Mongolia, China | China | Covered nation | China dominates mined natural graphite feeding spherical graphite refining. |
| Copper OreAtacama, Chile | Chile | No known risk factor | Allied copper concentrate; much smelted/refined in China downstream. |
Material flow (36 relationships)
- Panasonic Energy assembles NCA Cathode Active Material (NCA cathode active material)
- Panasonic Energy assembles Anode Active Material (graphite/silicon) (anode active material)
- Panasonic Energy assembles Electrolyte (LiPF6 in carbonate solvents) (electrolyte)
- Panasonic Energy assembles Polyolefin Separator (separator)
- Panasonic Energy assembles Copper Foil (anode current collector) (anode current collector)
- Panasonic Energy assembles Aluminum Foil (cathode current collector) (cathode current collector)
- Panasonic Energy assembles Cell Can & Housing (nickel-plated steel/aluminum) (cell housing)
- NCA Cathode Active Material supplies pCAM Precursor (Ni-Co-Al hydroxide) (pCAM precursor)
- NCA Cathode Active Material supplies Lithium Hydroxide / Carbonate (lithium source (lithiation))
- pCAM Precursor (Ni-Co-Al hydroxide) supplies Nickel Sulfate (nickel sulfate)
- pCAM Precursor (Ni-Co-Al hydroxide) supplies Cobalt Sulfate (cobalt sulfate)
- pCAM Precursor (Ni-Co-Al hydroxide) supplies Aluminum (cathode dopant + foil) (aluminum dopant)
- Nickel Sulfate refines SMM Niihama Nickel Refinery (nickel sulfate)
- SMM Niihama Nickel Refinery refines Mixed Nickel-Cobalt Sulfide (MS intermediate) (mixed Ni-Co sulfide)
- Mixed Nickel-Cobalt Sulfide (MS intermediate) refines Nickel Laterite Ore (nickel laterite ore)
- Cobalt Sulfate refines SMM Cobalt Refining (Japan) (cobalt sulfate (allied))
- Cobalt Sulfate refines Cobalt Refining (China) (cobalt sulfate (China))
- SMM Cobalt Refining (Japan) refines Cobalt Ore (Philippines, co-product) (cobalt co-product ore)
- Cobalt Refining (China) refines Cobalt Ore (DRC) (cobalt ore)
- Lithium Hydroxide / Carbonate refines Lithium Refining (China) (lithium chemical (China))
- Lithium Hydroxide / Carbonate refines Lithium Refining (ioneer Rhyolite Ridge) (lithium carbonate (US))
- Lithium Hydroxide / Carbonate refines Lithium Refining (Nemaska / Bécancour) (lithium hydroxide (Canada))
- Lithium Refining (China) refines Spodumene (hard-rock lithium) (spodumene concentrate)
- Lithium Refining (ioneer Rhyolite Ridge) refines Lithium-Boron Ore (Rhyolite Ridge) (lithium-boron ore)
- Lithium Refining (Nemaska / Bécancour) refines Spodumene (Whabouchi / PAK) (spodumene concentrate)
- Aluminum (cathode dopant + foil) refines Alumina Refining / Aluminum Smelting (aluminum)
- Alumina Refining / Aluminum Smelting refines Bauxite Ore (bauxite ore)
- Aluminum Foil (cathode current collector) supplies Aluminum (cathode dopant + foil) (aluminum foil feedstock)
- Anode Active Material (graphite/silicon) supplies Synthetic Graphite Anode (synthetic graphite)
- Anode Active Material (graphite/silicon) supplies Natural Graphite Anode (spherical/coated) (natural graphite)
- Anode Active Material (graphite/silicon) supplies Silicon Anode Material (Titan Silicon) (silicon anode material)
- Natural Graphite Anode (spherical/coated) refines Natural Flake Graphite Ore (flake graphite ore)
- Silicon Anode Material (Titan Silicon) supplies Silicon Metal (silicon metal)
- Electrolyte (LiPF6 in carbonate solvents) supplies Lithium Hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6 salt) (LiPF6 salt)
- Copper Foil (anode current collector) supplies Copper Cathode (foil feedstock) (copper cathode feedstock)
- Copper Cathode (foil feedstock) refines Copper Ore (copper ore)
Sources and methodology
Research-based supply-chain map compiled from public sources - not an audited bill of materials. Tiers reflect the standard industry structure for this product. Sourcing risk on a node describes where that input is typically mined or refined; it is not a FEOC determination for Panasonic Energy, and it is not a screening result for the node itself unless a federal listing is cited against it. Verify against primary documentation before making a compliance determination.
Primary sources (1) - government, filings, standards bodies
Secondary sources (27) - trade press, analysts, reference works
- news.panasonic.com news.panasonic.com/global/stories/993
- insideevs.com insideevs.com/news/535894/panasonic-automotive-battery-new-phase/
- mining.com mining.com/web/sumitomo-metal-aims-to-boost-battery-materials-output/
- news.panasonic.com news.panasonic.com/global/press/en250331-3
- news.panasonic.com news.panasonic.com/uploads/tmg_block_page_image/file/32151/en250331-3-1.pdf
- electrive.com electrive.com/2024/02/09/panasonic-purchases-synthetic-graphite-from-novonix/
- na.panasonic.com na.panasonic.com/news/panasonic-energy-partners-with-sila-for-procurement-of-next-generation-silicon-anode-material-for-ev-batteries
- news.panasonic.com news.panasonic.com/global/press/en231212-3
- power-technology.com power-technology.com/news/panasonics-silicon-deal-strengthens-us-in-ev-battery-rivalry-against-china/
- newswire.ca newswire.ca/news-releases/frontier-lithium-signs-memorandum-of-understanding-with-panasonic-energy-to-advance-north-american-battery-supply-chain-820790338.html
- hatchperformanceinnovations.com hatchperformanceinnovations.com/home/nemaska-lithium/
- mining-technology.com mining-technology.com/news/ioneer-lithium-deal-jv/
- ioneer.com ioneer.com/rhyolite-ridge-project/about-rhyolite-ridge/permitting/
- cleantechnica.com cleantechnica.com/2018/07/24/panasonic-wont-use-cuban-cobalt-suspends-canadian-supplier-relationship/
- sherritt.com sherritt.com/operations/our-products/
- smm.co.jp smm.co.jp/en/corp_info/location/domestic/nickel/
- smm.co.jp smm.co.jp/en/corp_info/location/domestic/harima/
- smm.co.jp smm.co.jp/en/sustainability/activity_highlights/article_12/
- argusmedia.com argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2644488-smm-to-wholly-own-philippine-coral-bay-nickel-smelter
- cgc-jp.com cgc-jp.com/products/detail/electrolyte.html
- marketsandmarkets.com marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/battery-separators-market.asp
- furukawa.co.jp furukawa.co.jp/foil/en/
- pcbaaa.com pcbaaa.com/top-15-electrodeposited-copper-foil-manufacturers-in-the-world/
- energy.na.panasonic.com energy.na.panasonic.com/news/powering-progress-panasonics-new-ev-battery-facility
- na.panasonic.com na.panasonic.com/news/panasonic-energy-begins-mass-production-at-new-automotive-lithium-ion-battery-factory-in-kansas-aiming-for-annual-capacity-of-32-gwh-to-accelerate-us-local-production
- silanano.com silanano.com/press/press-releases/panasonic-and-sila-sign-agreement-for-titan-silicon-silas-anode-material-to-deliver-enhanced-battery-performance-for-evs
- silanano.com silanano.com/press/press-releases/sila-opens-nations-first-automotive-scale-silicon-anode-plant-ushering-in-a-new-era-for-u-s-battery-manufacturing
Common questions
- Where does Panasonic Energy source the inputs in this product?
- This map traces 36 inputs across 8 countries, including 17 mines and refiners. It is compiled from public sources and is not an audited bill of materials.
- How much of the Panasonic Energy supply chain sits in a covered nation?
- 4 of 36 mapped inputs are sited in a covered nation (China, Russia, Iran or North Korea) or named on a federal restricted-party list. A further 10 carry elevated sourcing risk without either basis.
- Is Panasonic Energy itself a Foreign Entity of Concern?
- No federal designation found. Panasonic Energy is not named on any of the 3 federal restricted-party lists screened for this record (DOD Section 1260H, BIS Entity List, OFAC SDN List), and Japan is not a covered nation under the FEOC rules. Sourcing risk in this map describes where inputs are mined and refined and is a separate question from the company's own federal screening.