German chemical company BASF and Chinese battery maker CATL have signed a global framework agreement to jointly develop and supply cathode active materials for lithium-ion batteries, the companies said, deepening their strategic partnership in the sector.
Under the agreement, BASF will become a key supplier to CATL and support the Chinese firm’s international expansion through its global production network. The companies did not disclose specific financial or operational terms of the deal, nor details on supply volumes or regional allocations.
The announcement builds on a 2021 partnership focused on battery material solutions and recycling, which aligned with CATL’s localization efforts in Europe and BASF’s globalization strategy. At the time, CATL was constructing a battery cell plant in Arnstadt, Germany, its second facility in Europe.
“We are proud to work with CATL, a global market leader in battery technology,” said Dr. Daniel Schönfelder, President of BASF’s Battery Materials division. “Our diversified and local production footprint for innovative cathode materials will support CATL’s global business development.”
BASF recently launched black mass production in Germany, recycling spent lithium-ion batteries and production scrap, and is working with Vulcan Energy on geothermal lithium extraction. Meanwhile, CATL continues expanding globally, including projects in India and Indonesia, and aims to introduce battery swapping in Europe.
