Analysis of technical barriers to trade effects of the EU’s new battery regulation and China’s response strategies and suggestions

This study systematically examines the technical trade barrier effects of the European Union (EU) New Battery Regulation on battery industries and corresponding strategies. The analysis demonstrates that the EU has established green trade barriers through lifecycle regulatory measures, including carbon footprint declarations, battery passports, and recycled material ratios, significantly increasing compliance costs for Chinese lithium battery exports. Compared to the EU’s mandatory regulatory approach, China’s battery policies remain primarily focused on safety standards and industrial guidance, showing gaps in carbon management and data mutual recognition. Case studies indicate that while industry leaders like CATL’s Hungary plant achieve compliance through localized production and green electricity procurement, small and medium-sized enterprises face market exit risks. The study proposes strategic pathways for China including accelerating international mutual recognition of carbon footprint systems, promoting solid-state battery technology alliances, and developing bidirectional data conversion tools to balance regulatory compliance with industrial competitiveness. These findings provide empirical evidence for policy coordination during the global battery industry’s low-carbon transition. • EU battery regulation raises green trade barriers for Chinese exports. • Carbon footprint, passport, and recycled content are key compliance areas. • China-EU policy gaps exist in carbon and data standards. • A three-phase strategy is proposed for Chinese battery industry.