So far, 2024 has failed to live up to expectations for the battery raw materials (BRMs) markets. Prices for many of the metals and minerals have continued to slide as they grapple with oversupply and underperforming uptake of electric vehicles. This demand slowdown has been particularly apparent in Europe and North America, where sales have consistently failed to meet our expectations. With many gigafactories in the two regions paused, downsized or cancelled, BRM suppliers are at risk. In this insight, we explore the drivers behind the weak EV market, which BRMs are most at risk, and what can be done to protect local supply chains.