AsianFin -- Xiamen Hithium Energy Storage Technology, the world’s third-largest manufacturer of energy storage system (ESS) batteries, is accelerating its overseas expansion as escalating U.S.-China trade tensions and rising tariffs weigh on Chinese exports.

The company plans to launch production at its Texas factory in the second half of this year and aims to hire at least 200 local employees, according to Sun Minghuang, Hithium’s director of strategic marketing.

“We are determined to go global, and localisation is a very important strategy in our global ambitions,” Sun said.

Hithium filed for a listing in Hong Kong in March, seeking to raise capital to support its international growth and manufacturing push.