China: Lithium Oxide Market 2025

Lithium Oxide Market Size in China

For the fifth consecutive year, the Chinese lithium oxide market recorded decline in sales value, which decreased by -34.4% to $X in 2021. In general, consumption faced a abrupt contraction. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X. From 2017 to 2021, the growth of the market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Lithium Oxide Production in China

In value terms, lithium oxide production rose sharply to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, the total production indicated a moderate expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.1% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production decreased by -17.4% against 2018 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 46% against the previous year. Lithium oxide production peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Lithium Oxide Exports

Exports from China

For the tenth consecutive year, China recorded growth in shipments abroad of lithium oxides, which increased by 30% to X tons in 2021. Overall, exports enjoyed a significant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when exports increased by 92%. The exports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

In value terms, lithium oxide exports soared to $X in 2021. In general, exports saw a significant expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 94%. The exports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

South Korea (X tons), Japan (X tons) and India (X tons) were the main destinations of lithium oxide exports from China, with a combined 97% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for South Korea (with a CAGR of +65.2%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, the largest markets for lithium oxide exported from China were South Korea ($X), Japan ($X) and India ($X), with a combined 97% share of total exports.

Japan, with a CAGR of +68.7%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, in terms of the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

Export Prices by Country

The average lithium oxide export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, surging by 7.5% against the previous year. In general, the export price showed a pronounced expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when the average export price increased by 81%. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied noticeably for the major external markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was South Korea ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Japan ($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 India (+5.4%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Lithium Oxide Imports

Imports into China

In 2021, supplies from abroad of lithium oxides increased by 633% to X tons, rising for the second year in a row after two years of decline. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate significant growth. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, lithium oxide imports soared to $X in 2021. In general, imports enjoyed a significant expansion. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Chile (X tons) constituted the largest lithium oxide supplier to China, with a 77% share of total imports. Moreover, lithium oxide imports from Chile exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Russia (X tons), fourfold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Japan (X tons), with a 3.2% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Chile amounted to +36.5%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Russia (+20.6% per year) and Japan (+138.1% per year).

In value terms, Chile ($X) constituted the largest supplier of lithium oxides to China, comprising 77% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Russia ($X), with a 14% share of total imports. It was followed by Japan, with an 8.1% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Chile totaled +48.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Russia (+26.0% per year) and Japan (+140.3% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average lithium oxide import price amounted to $X per ton, rising by 78% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price continues to indicate a perceptible increase. 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 Japan ($X per ton), while the price for Russia ($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 (+8.5%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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