Argentina: Lithium Carbonate Market 2024

Lithium Carbonate Market Size in Argentina

After three years of growth, the Argentinian lithium carbonate market decreased by -29% to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, consumption, however, continues to indicate significant growth. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of the market remained at a lower figure.

Lithium Carbonate Production in Argentina

In value terms, lithium carbonate production soared to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production saw a resilient increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when the production volume increased by 88% against the previous year. Lithium carbonate production peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Lithium Carbonate Exports

Exports from Argentina

In 2021, after two years of decline, there was significant growth in overseas shipments of lithium carbonates, when their volume increased by 25% to X tons. Over the period under review, exports enjoyed a strong expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 68%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum in 2021 and are likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, lithium carbonate exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. In general, exports enjoyed a significant increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when exports increased by 144% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

China (X tons) was the main destination for lithium carbonate exports from Argentina, accounting for a 46% share of total exports. Moreover, lithium carbonate exports to China exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, the United States (X tons), twofold. Japan (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 9.5% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to China totaled +32.2%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the United States (+1.1% per year) and Japan (+8.2% per year).

In value terms, China ($X) remains the key foreign market for lithium carbonates exports from Argentina, comprising 54% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the United States ($X), with a 13% share of total exports. It was followed by Japan, with a 9.2% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to China totaled +46.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the United States (+6.4% per year) and Japan (+17.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average lithium carbonate export price amounted to $X per ton, growing by 44% against the previous year. In general, the export price continues to indicate a resilient increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 an increase of 69% against the previous year. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2019 to 2021, the average export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was China ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to the United States ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to China (+10.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Lithium Carbonate Imports

Imports into Argentina

For the third consecutive year, Argentina recorded growth in supplies from abroad of lithium carbonates, which increased by 11% to X tons in 2021. In general, imports recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when imports increased by 75% against the previous year. Imports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, lithium carbonate imports soared to $X in 2021. Overall, imports posted a resilient expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 154%. Imports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Chile (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of lithium carbonate to Argentina, with a 79% share of total imports. Moreover, lithium carbonate imports from Chile exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Belgium (X tons), sevenfold. The United States (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 3.8% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Chile stood at -1.3%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Belgium (+77.9% per year) and the United States (-3.4% per year).

In value terms, Chile ($X) constituted the largest supplier of lithium carbonates to Argentina, comprising 67% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Belgium ($X), with a 17% share of total imports. It was followed by Germany, with a 7.4% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from Chile amounted to +5.3%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Belgium (+54.7% per year) and Germany (+11.4% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average lithium carbonate import price amounted to $X per ton, growing by 29% against the previous year. Overall, the import price continues to indicate a buoyant increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 an increase of 45%. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per ton), while the price for the United States ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Chile (+6.7%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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