Japan: Lithium Oxide Market 2025

Lithium Oxide Market Size in Japan

In 2021, the Japanese lithium oxide market decreased by -0.4% to $X, falling for the second year in a row after six years of growth. Over the period under review, consumption saw a significant expansion. Over the period under review, the market attained the peak level at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Lithium Oxide Exports

Exports from Japan

For the fourth consecutive year, Japan recorded decline in overseas shipments of lithium oxides, which decreased by -22.7% to X tons in 2021. Over the period under review, exports showed a abrupt shrinkage. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when exports increased by 1,114%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, lithium oxide exports surged to $X in 2021. Overall, exports recorded a abrupt downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 1,108%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

China (X tons) was the main destination for lithium oxide exports from Japan, accounting for a 89% share of total exports. Moreover, lithium oxide exports to China exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, South Korea (X kg), more than tenfold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to China amounted to -11.5%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: South Korea (-15.5% per year) and Thailand (+8.8% per year).

In value terms, China ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for lithium oxides exports from Japan, comprising 79% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Thailand ($X), with a 9.1% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to China stood at -13.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Thailand (+1.8% per year) and South Korea (-12.2% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average lithium oxide export price amounted to $X per ton, increasing by 58% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 an increase of 98%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Thailand ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to China ($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 South Korea (+3.9%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Lithium Oxide Imports

Imports into Japan

In 2021, the amount of lithium oxides imported into Japan expanded modestly to X tons, with an increase of 4.1% against the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, imports posted significant growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when imports increased by 153% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, lithium oxide imports contracted slightly to $X in 2021. In general, imports showed a significant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 157%. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, China (X tons) constituted the largest lithium oxide supplier to Japan, with a 81% share of total imports. Moreover, lithium oxide imports from China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, the United States (X tons), sixfold. Chile (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 3.1% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from China amounted to +60.7%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the United States (+1.3% per year) and Chile (+43.7% per year).

In value terms, China ($X) constituted the largest supplier of lithium oxides to Japan, comprising 81% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by the United States ($X), with a 15% share of total imports. It was followed by Chile, with a 2.4% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from China totaled +69.7%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the United States (+6.2% per year) and Chile (+45.9% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average lithium oxide import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, reducing by -4.8% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import price indicated notable growth from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +3.6% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, lithium oxide import price decreased by -11.8% against 2019 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 an increase of 18%. 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 the United States ($X per ton), while the price for Russia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (+5.6%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :