Research on the evolution of lithium trade communities based on the complex network

摘要

In recent years, electric vehicles, a new type of cleaner vehicles, are attracting widespread attention around the world. Therefore, as one of the most important raw materials of lithium battery, which is the main power of electric vehicles, lithium has won considerable concern. Countries engaged in the development of electric vehicles are concerned about steadily importing lithium and resource-rich countries seek to maximize their exporting interests. In this paper, complex network model is introduced to construct the global trade networks for lithium between 1990 and 2017 to analysis the evolution of lithium trade communities. Some conclusions can be drawn from the result, first, the division of communities varies a lot from year to year; second, there are two to four major trading communities in the trade network over the years; besides, the changes of major trade countries in communities are obvious. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.