Report Update Nov 1, 2024

South Africa - Lithium Carbonate - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights

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South Africa: Lithium Carbonate Market 2024

Lithium Carbonate Market Size in South Africa

The South African lithium carbonate market skyrocketed to $X in 2021, jumping by 43% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Overall, consumption, however, saw a abrupt downturn. Lithium carbonate consumption peaked at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Lithium Carbonate Exports

Exports from South Africa

In 2021, lithium carbonate exports from South Africa dropped markedly to X tons, with a decrease of -39.3% compared with the previous year. In general, exports saw a slight decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when exports increased by 414%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, lithium carbonate exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 with an increase of 195%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Ghana (X tons), Angola (X tons) and Madagascar (X kg) were the main destinations of lithium carbonate exports from South Africa, together accounting for 96% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Ghana (with a CAGR of +287.8%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Ghana ($X), Angola ($X) and Madagascar ($X) constituted the largest markets for lithium carbonate exported from South Africa worldwide, together comprising 95% of total exports.

Angola, with a CAGR of +266.0%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, among the main countries of destination 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, jumping by 303% against the previous year. Overall, the export price showed a moderate expansion. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Madagascar ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Ghana ($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 Angola (+203.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Lithium Carbonate Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2021, approx. X tons of lithium carbonates were imported into South Africa; picking up by 26% against 2020. Over the period under review, imports, however, recorded a abrupt descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 9,088% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at X tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, lithium carbonate imports reduced to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, continue to indicate a deep contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when imports increased by 8,032%. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Chile (X tons) constituted the largest lithium carbonate supplier to South Africa, accounting for a 67% share of total imports. Moreover, lithium carbonate imports from Chile exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, China (X tons), threefold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from Chile totaled -9.9%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: China (-6.4% per year) and Spain (+231.2% per year).

In value terms, Chile ($X) constituted the largest supplier of lithium carbonates to South Africa, comprising 78% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by China ($X), with a 21% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from Chile totaled -3.5%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: China (-3.6% per year) and Spain (-13.2% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average lithium carbonate import price amounted to $X per ton, dropping by -22.7% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, showed pronounced growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 an increase of 135% against the previous year. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2018 to 2021, the average import prices remained at a lower figure.

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 Chile ($X per ton), while the price for Spain ($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 (+7.2%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :

What are the largest markets for lithium oxide, hydroxide and carbonate in the world?

China constituted the country with the largest volume of lithium oxide, hydroxide and carbonate consumption, comprising approx. 34% of total volume. Moreover, lithium oxide, hydroxide and carbonate consumption in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest consumer, Chile, twofold. Japan ranked third in terms of total consumption with a 12% share.

What are the largest producers of lithium oxide, hydroxide and carbonate in the world?

The countries with the highest volumes of in 2021 were China, Chile and Australia, together accounting for 80% of global production. Argentina, the United States, the Netherlands and Russia lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 17%.

What are the leading suppliers of lithium oxide, hydroxide and carbonate to South Africa?

In value terms, Chile, the United States and Russia constituted the largest lithium oxide, hydroxide and carbonate suppliers to South Africa, together comprising 89% of total imports.

What are the leading importers of lithium oxide, hydroxide and carbonate from South Africa?

In value terms, the largest markets for lithium oxide, hydroxide and carbonate exported from South Africa were Kenya, Zambia and Democratic Republic of the Congo, with a combined 94% share of total exports.

What is the average export price for lithium oxide, hydroxide and carbonate in South Africa?

In 2021, the average export price for lithium oxide, hydroxide and carbonates amounted to $8,305 per ton, rising by 16% against the previous year.

What is the average import price for lithium oxide, hydroxide and carbonate in South Africa?

In 2021, the average import price for lithium oxide, hydroxide and carbonates amounted to $6,943 per ton, dropping by -5.7% against the previous year.

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the lithium carbonate market in South Africa. Within it, you will discover the latest data on market trends and opportunities by country, consumption, production and price developments, as well as the global trade (imports and exports). The forecast exhibits the market prospects through 2030.

Product coverage:

Country coverage:

South Africa

Data coverage:

Market volume and value
Per Capita consumption
Forecast of the market dynamics in the medium term
Trade (exports and imports) in South Africa
Export and import prices
Market trends, drivers and restraints
Key market players and their profiles

Reasons to buy this report:

Take advantage of the latest data
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Discover vital success factors affecting the market

This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, and wholesalers, as well as for investors, consultants and advisors.

In this report, you can find information that helps you to make informed decisions on the following issues:

How to diversify your business and benefit from new market opportunities
How to load your idle production capacity
How to boost your sales on overseas markets
How to increase your profit margins
How to make your supply chain more sustainable
How to reduce your production and supply chain costs
How to outsource production to other countries
How to prepare your business for global expansion

While doing this research, we combine the accumulated expertise of our analysts and the capabilities of artificial intelligence. The AI-based platform, developed by our data scientists, constitutes the key working tool for business analysts, empowering them to discover deep insights and ideas from the marketing data.

1. INTRODUCTION

Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business
1. REPORT DESCRIPTION
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND AI PLATFORM
3. DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
4. GLOSSARY AND SPECIFIC TERMS
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A Quick Overview of Market Performance
1. KEY FINDINGS
2. MARKET TRENDS This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
3. MARKET OVERVIEW

Understanding the Current State of The Market and Its Prospects
1. MARKET SIZE
2. MARKET STRUCTURE
3. TRADE BALANCE
4. PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION
5. MARKET FORECAST TO 2030
4. MOST PROMISING PRODUCT

Finding New Products to Diversify Your Business
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
1. TOP PRODUCTS TO DIVERSIFY YOUR BUSINESS
2. BEST-SELLING PRODUCTS
3. MOST CONSUMED PRODUCT
4. MOST TRADED PRODUCT
5. MOST PROFITABLE PRODUCT FOR EXPORT
5. MOST PROMISING SUPPLYING COUNTRIES

Choosing the Best Countries to Establish Your Sustainable Supply Chain
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
1. TOP COUNTRIES TO SOURCE YOUR PRODUCT
2. TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES
3. TOP EXPORTING COUNTRIES
4. LOW-COST EXPORTING COUNTRIES
6. MOST PROMISING OVERSEAS MARKETS

Choosing the Best Countries to Boost Your Exports
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
1. TOP OVERSEAS MARKETS FOR EXPORTING YOUR PRODUCT
2. TOP CONSUMING MARKETS
3. UNSATURATED MARKETS
4. TOP IMPORTING MARKETS
5. MOST PROFITABLE MARKETS
7. PRODUCTION

The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry
1. PRODUCTION VOLUME AND VALUE
8. IMPORTS
The Largest Import Supplying Countries
1. IMPORTS FROM 2012–2023
2. IMPORTS BY COUNTRY
3. IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY
9. EXPORTS
The Largest Destinations for Exports
1. EXPORTS FROM 2012–2023
2. EXPORTS BY COUNTRY
3. EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY
10. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERS

The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
LIST OF TABLES
1. Key Findings In 2023
2. Market Volume, In Physical Terms, 2012–2023
3. Market Value, 2012–2023
4. Per Capita Consumption In 2012-2023
5. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2023
6. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2023
7. Import Prices, By Country Of Origin, 2012–2023
8. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2023
9. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2023
10. Export Prices, By Country Of Destination, 2012–2023
LIST OF FIGURES
1. Market Volume, In Physical Terms, 2012–2023
2. Market Value, 2012–2023
3. Market Structure – Domestic Supply vs. Imports, In Physical Terms, 2012-2023
4. Market Structure – Domestic Supply vs. Imports, In Value Terms, 2012-2023
5. Trade Balance, In Physical Terms, 2012-2023
6. Trade Balance, In Value Terms, 2012-2023
7. Per Capita Consumption, 2012-2023
8. Market Volume Forecast to 2030
9. Market Value Forecast to 2030
10. Products: Market Size And Growth, By Type
11. Products: Average Per Capita Consumption, By Type
12. Products: Exports And Growth, By Type
13. Products: Export Prices And Growth, By Type
14. Production Volume And Growth
15. Exports And Growth
16. Export Prices And Growth
17. Market Size And Growth
18. Per Capita Consumption
19. Imports And Growth
20. Import Prices
21. Production, In Physical Terms, 2012–2023
22. Production, In Value Terms, 2012–2023
23. Imports, In Physical Terms, 2012–2023
24. Imports, In Value Terms, 2012–2023
25. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2023
26. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2023
27. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2023
28. Import Prices, By Country Of Origin, 2012–2023
29. Exports, In Physical Terms, 2012–2023
30. Exports, In Value Terms, 2012–2023
31. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2023
32. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2023
33. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2023
34. Export Prices, By Country Of Destination, 2012–2023