MERCOSUR: Lithium Carbonate Market 2025

Lithium Carbonate Market Size in MERCOSUR

In 2021, the MERCOSUR lithium carbonate market was finally on the rise to reach $X after two years of decline. Overall, consumption saw a buoyant expansion. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of the market remained at a lower figure.

Lithium Carbonate Production in MERCOSUR

In value terms, lithium carbonate production skyrocketed to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production recorded a buoyant expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 95%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Lithium Carbonate Exports

Exports in MERCOSUR

For the eighth year in a row, MERCOSUR recorded growth in shipments abroad of lithium carbonates, which increased by 35% to X tons in 2021. Overall, exports showed a strong expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when exports increased by 39%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, lithium carbonate exports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports posted buoyant growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when exports increased by 112% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Chile represented the major exporter of lithium carbonates in MERCOSUR, with the volume of exports resulting at X tons, which was approx. 81% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Argentina (X tons), comprising a 19% share of total exports.

Exports from Chile increased at an average annual rate of +10.5% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Argentina (+14.2%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Argentina emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in MERCOSUR, with a CAGR of +14.2% from 2012-2021. Argentina (+4.1 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Chile saw its share reduced by -4.1% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, Chile ($X) remains the largest lithium carbonate supplier in MERCOSUR, comprising 77% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Argentina ($X), with a 23% share of total exports.

In Chile, lithium carbonate exports expanded at an average annual rate of +15.6% over the period from 2012-2021.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2021, increasing by 12% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price continues to indicate strong growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when the export price increased by 52% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Argentina ($X per ton), while Chile stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Argentina (+7.8%).

Lithium Carbonate Imports

Imports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, purchases abroad of lithium carbonates increased by 9.1% to X tons, rising for the second year in a row after two years of decline. Total imports indicated a mild expansion from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.3% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +42.3% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 50% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

In value terms, lithium carbonate imports reached $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports showed buoyant growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when imports increased by 90% against the previous year. The level of import peaked in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

Argentina dominates imports structure, accounting for X tons, which was near 88% of total imports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Chile (X tons), mixing up a 5.1% share of total imports. Colombia (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Argentina experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of imports of lithium carbonates. At the same time, Chile (+102.6%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Chile emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in MERCOSUR, with a CAGR of +102.6% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Colombia (-1.5%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Chile (+5.1 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while Argentina saw its share reduced by -5% from 2012 to 2021, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Argentina ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported lithium carbonates in MERCOSUR, comprising 77% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Colombia ($X), with a 12% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Argentina amounted to +8.5%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Colombia (+7.5% per year) and Chile (+106.8% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2021, with an increase of 5.2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price continues to indicate a prominent increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 36% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs 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 importing countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Colombia ($X per ton), while Chile ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Colombia (+9.2%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform