Global diversified manufacturer Asahi Kasei and Toyota Tsusho have entered a strategic partnership to strengthen the automotive lithium-ion battery (LIB) supply chain in North America. Under the agreement, Asahi Kasei Battery Separator America (AKBSA) will supply its Hipore wet-process LIB separators to Toyota Tsusho America (TAI), based on finalized capacity rights terms.

Under the agreement, TAI will receive a preferential share of AKBSA’s production capacity for Hipore lithium-ion battery separators. Starting in mid-2027, AKBSA will supply TAI with coated Hipore separators from its new coating facility currently under construction in Charlotte, North Carolina.

This partnership enables Asahi Kasei to mitigate market volatility and optimize resource efficiency through high operational stability. Meanwhile, Toyota Tsusho will secure a reliable supply of LIB separators from the Charlotte plant, supporting its efforts to build a robust automotive battery supply chain in North America.

By leveraging Asahi Kasei’s expertise in advanced functional materials and Toyota Tsusho’s deep knowledge of the mobility sector, the partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of high-quality wet-process separators in the North American battery market and support the production of next-generation electric vehicles.

“This alliance aligns seamlessly with Asahi Kasei’s global growth strategy to establish and strengthen a robust supply chain in North America alongside key partners, while capturing medium- to long-term opportunities in the electrified vehicle market,” said Ryu Taniguchi, Lead Executive Officer of Asahi Kasei and head of the company’s separator business.

Kazuyuki Urata, COO of Toyota Tsusho’s Circular Economy Division, stated, “This collaboration with Asahi Kasei marks a significant milestone in accelerating electrification across North America and advancing a sustainable mobility society. Leveraging our global network and expertise in the mobility sector, Toyota Tsusho is committed to building a highly reliable automotive LIB supply chain that supports the widespread adoption of electrified vehicles and helps reduce their environmental impact.”