POSCO Future M to build Vietnam anode plant, boosting capacity, diversifying supply chains, and targeting global battery materials market growth.
POSCO Future M is moving ahead with plans to establish an overseas production base for artificial graphite anode materials, reinforcing its strategy to expand global orders and strengthen supply chain resilience.
Amid rising trade barriers and increasing protectionist policies worldwide, securing stable supply chains for critical battery materials has become a top priority for manufacturers. In response, POSCO Future M has been actively engaging with multiple customers regarding artificial graphite anodes and has now decided to scale up its production footprint through a significant overseas investment.
The company’s board recently approved an investment of approximately KRW 357 billion to construct a new artificial graphite anode plant in Thai Nguyen. Construction is scheduled to begin in the second half of this year, with commercial production targeted for 2028. The facility will be developed on a site capable of supporting up to 55,000 metric tons of annual production capacity, with phased expansions planned depending on future order volumes.
Artificial graphite anode materials play a crucial role in enhancing battery performance, particularly in enabling fast charging and extending battery lifespan. Although global demand continues to rise steadily, the current supply chain remains heavily concentrated in a few countries, making diversification an urgent necessity for industry players.
Currently, POSCO Future M operates an artificial graphite anode plant in Pohang, South Korea, with an annual capacity of 8,000 metric tons. Leveraging its manufacturing expertise, the company aims to produce cost-competitive materials at its Vietnam facility to better serve international customers.
Vietnam presents several advantages as a manufacturing hub, including lower costs for investment, electricity, labor, and logistics compared to many other Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia. The country also boasts robust industrial infrastructure, including a stable power supply, and continues to strengthen trade ties with key markets like the United States through its export-oriented economic policies.
Recent regulatory developments have further accelerated supply chain realignment. The United States introduced Prohibited Foreign Entity provisions under the Inflation Reduction Act, while Europe has set dependency reduction targets through the Critical Raw Materials Act. These initiatives reflect a broader global effort to reduce reliance on specific regions for strategic materials.
In line with these shifts, POSCO Future M is advancing full vertical integration across its anode material supply chain—from raw materials to finished products. The company has positioned itself as a credible alternative supplier for global automakers and battery manufacturers seeking diversified sourcing options.
Since localizing natural graphite anode production in 2011 and launching its artificial graphite plant in 2021, the company has steadily expanded its portfolio. It now covers natural, artificial, and emerging silicon anode materials, supported by continuous process innovation and productivity improvements.
Building on its technological expertise and supply chain capabilities, POSCO Future M is currently engaged in supply discussions with customers across Korea, North America, and Europe. The company aims to strengthen its competitiveness further and evolve into a leading global battery materials provider.
