Germany: Lithium Carbonate Market 2025

Lithium Carbonate Market Size in Germany

In 2021, the German lithium carbonate market increased by 27% to $X, rising for the sixth consecutive year after three years of decline. In general, consumption, however, recorded a mild decrease. Lithium carbonate consumption peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Lithium Carbonate Production in Germany

In value terms, lithium carbonate production amounted to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production saw a abrupt decline. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the production volume increased by 237% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Lithium Carbonate Exports

Exports from Germany

In 2021, overseas shipments of lithium carbonates increased by 35% to X tons for the first time since 2016, thus ending a four-year declining trend. Over the period under review, exports, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The exports peaked at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, lithium carbonate exports expanded significantly to $X in 2021. Overall, exports continue to indicate a tangible expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 52%. The exports peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Turkey (X tons) was the main destination for lithium carbonate exports from Germany, with a 42% share of total exports. Moreover, lithium carbonate exports to Turkey exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Italy (X tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was held by France (X tons), with a 9% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Turkey was relatively modest. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Italy (+10.5% per year) and France (-6.3% per year).

In value terms, the largest markets for lithium carbonate exported from Germany were Turkey ($X), Italy ($X) and France ($X), together accounting for 54% of total exports.

Among the main countries of destination, Italy, with a CAGR of +19.3%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average lithium carbonate export price amounted to $X per ton, shrinking by -19.3% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, continues to indicate a notable increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 66% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was France ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Turkey ($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 Italy (+7.9%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Lithium Carbonate Imports

Imports into Germany

In 2021, approx. X tons of lithium carbonates were imported into Germany; increasing by 24% on the year before. Overall, imports, however, recorded a abrupt decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when imports increased by 134% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, lithium carbonate imports rose modestly to $X in 2021. In general, imports recorded slight growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when imports increased by 81%. Imports peaked in 2021 and are likely to see steady growth in the near future.

Imports by Country

Chile (X tons), Belgium (X tons) and the United States (X tons) were the main suppliers of lithium carbonate imports to Germany, together comprising 86% of total imports. These countries were followed by France, the UK, the Netherlands, China and Argentina, which together accounted for a further 14%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for the UK (with a CAGR of +92.8%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Chile ($X) constituted the largest supplier of lithium carbonates to Germany, comprising 53% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Belgium ($X), with a 19% share of total imports. It was followed by the United States, with an 11% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Chile totaled -2.8%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Belgium (+33.4% per year) and the United States (-5.3% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average lithium carbonate import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, dropping by -15.6% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, recorded a buoyant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the average import price increased by 65% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2019; however, from 2020 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 China ($X per ton), while the price for Belgium ($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 (+9.2%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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