China: Lithium Carbonate Market 2025

Lithium Carbonate Market Size in China

In 2021, the Chinese lithium carbonate market increased by 47% to $X, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. In general, consumption enjoyed strong growth. Lithium carbonate consumption peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Lithium Carbonate Production in China

In value terms, lithium carbonate production surged to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, posted a resilient increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 100% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Lithium Carbonate Exports

Exports from China

In 2021, exports of lithium carbonates from China expanded notably to X tons, growing by 6.1% compared with the year before. Over the period under review, exports showed a prominent increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 356% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, lithium carbonate exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. In general, exports recorded a buoyant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 415%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

South Korea (X tons) was the main destination for lithium carbonate exports from China, accounting for a 61% share of total exports. Moreover, lithium carbonate exports to South Korea exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Japan (X tons), twofold. Turkey (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 2.8% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to South Korea stood at +36.8%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Japan (+11.7% per year) and Turkey (+65.1% per year).

In value terms, South Korea ($X) remains the key foreign market for lithium carbonates exports from China, comprising 63% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Japan ($X), with a 24% share of total exports. It was followed by Turkey, with a 2.7% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to South Korea totaled +47.6%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Japan (+14.4% per year) and Turkey (+89.3% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average lithium carbonate export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, picking up by 57% against the previous year. In general, the export price continues to indicate strong growth. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied somewhat for the major overseas markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the countries with the highest prices were South Korea ($X per ton) and the Netherlands ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to the UK ($X per ton) and Russia ($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 Turkey (+14.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Lithium Carbonate Imports

Imports into China

For the third year in a row, China recorded growth in overseas purchases of lithium carbonates, which increased by 61% to X tons in 2021. Overall, imports enjoyed significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when imports increased by 111% against the previous year. Imports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, lithium carbonate imports surged to $X in 2021. In general, imports posted significant growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 228% against the previous year. Imports peaked in 2021 and are likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Chile (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of lithium carbonate to China, with a 79% share of total imports. Moreover, lithium carbonate imports from Chile exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Argentina (X tons), fourfold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Chile stood at +19.1%.

In value terms, Chile ($X) constituted the largest supplier of lithium carbonates to China, comprising 70% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Argentina ($X), with a 27% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Chile totaled +23.0%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average lithium carbonate import price amounted to $X per ton, jumping by 33% against the previous year. Overall, the import price recorded notable growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 an increase of 55% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Argentina ($X per ton), while the price for Chile totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Argentina (+8.6%).

Source: IndexBox Platform

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