Chile: Lithium Carbonate Market 2024

Lithium Carbonate Market Size in Chile

In 2021, after two years of decline, there was significant growth in the Chilean lithium carbonate market, when its value increased by 14% to $X. Overall, consumption saw a prominent expansion. Lithium carbonate consumption peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Lithium Carbonate Production in Chile

In value terms, lithium carbonate production soared to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production enjoyed a strong expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when the production volume increased by 106%. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Lithium Carbonate Exports

Exports from Chile

In 2021, exports of lithium carbonates from Chile surged to X tons, jumping by 37% against the previous year. Over the period under review, exports showed a resilient increase. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, lithium carbonate exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. In general, exports recorded a strong expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 104% 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 remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

China (X tons), South Korea (X tons) and Japan (X tons) were the main destinations of lithium carbonate exports from Chile, together comprising 83% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for China (with a CAGR of +20.0%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for lithium carbonate exported from Chile were China ($X), South Korea ($X) and Japan ($X), together accounting for 83% of total exports.

China, with a CAGR of +25.0%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, among the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average lithium carbonate export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 4.5% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price enjoyed measured growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 an increase of 55% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably for the major overseas markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the highest price was recorded for prices to the United States ($X per ton) and South Korea ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Belgium ($X per ton) and China ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to the United States (+7.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Lithium Carbonate Imports

Imports into Chile

In 2021, after two years of decline, there was significant growth in purchases abroad of lithium carbonates, when their volume increased by 41% to X tons. Overall, imports saw significant growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when imports increased by 11,357% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, lithium carbonate imports shrank notably to $X in 2021. In general, imports saw significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 11,201% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Spain (X tons), Australia (X tons) and Germany (X tons) were the main suppliers of lithium carbonate imports to Chile, together accounting for 81% of total imports. These countries were followed by Argentina, China, the United States and Peru, which together accounted for a further 18%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for China (with a CAGR of +91.1%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest lithium carbonate suppliers to Chile were Germany ($X), Australia ($X) and China ($X), together comprising 68% of total imports.

China, with a CAGR of +98.4%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average lithium carbonate import price amounted to $X per ton, reducing by -69.5% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, recorded a tangible expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when the average import price increased by 381%. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per ton), while the price for Spain ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Peru (+50.4%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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