China's Copper Processing Dominance: A Strategic Wedge in the EV Market

China's near-monopoly on copper processing is reshaping global supply chains and giving it a powerful lever in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. By controlling the refining and processing of copper—a critical material for EV batteries, motors, and charging infrastructure—China makes it economically unviable for other nations to build competing facilities. This isn't merely a matter of resource wealth; it's a calculated strategy to secure dominance in the EV market. As the world transitions to electric mobility, China's grip on copper processing could become a decisive geopolitical and economic advantage, influencing trade dynamics and global efforts to localize supply chains.