Switzerland: Lithium Carbonate Market 2025

Lithium Carbonate Market Size in Switzerland

In 2021, the Swiss lithium carbonate market decreased by -5.6% to $X, falling for the second year in a row after two years of growth. Overall, consumption, however, continues to indicate a remarkable increase. 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 Switzerland

In 2021, the amount of lithium carbonates exported from Switzerland dropped remarkably to X tons, with a decrease of -19.8% on the previous year. Over the period under review, exports, however, enjoyed a pronounced expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when exports increased by 124% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, lithium carbonate exports fell markedly to $X in 2021. Overall, exports, however, recorded a noticeable increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 when exports increased by 139%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2020 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Turkey (X tons) was the main destination for lithium carbonate exports from Switzerland, with a 88% share of total exports. Moreover, lithium carbonate exports to Turkey exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, France (X tons), ninefold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Turkey stood at +1.2%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: France (+78.0% per year) and Germany (+3.1% per year).

In value terms, Turkey ($X) remains the key foreign market for lithium carbonates exports from Switzerland, comprising 78% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by France ($X), with a 16% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Turkey was relatively modest. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: France (+63.2% per year) and Germany (-5.6% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average lithium carbonate export price amounted to $X per ton, which is down by -31.5% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the average export price increased by 56%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2020, and then reduced rapidly in the following year.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Turkey ($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 Turkey (-0.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Lithium Carbonate Imports

Imports into Switzerland

In 2021, overseas purchases of lithium carbonates decreased by -6% to X tons, falling for the second consecutive year after two years of growth. Overall, total imports indicated a pronounced expansion from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.8% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports decreased by -12.0% against 2019 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 41% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure 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. Over the period under review, imports, however, saw a resilient expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 99%. Imports peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Argentina (X tons), Chile (X tons) and the United States (X tons) were the main suppliers of lithium carbonate imports to Switzerland, with a combined 63% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Chile (with a CAGR of +26.1%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest lithium carbonate suppliers to Switzerland were Argentina ($X), Chile ($X) and Germany ($X), together comprising 73% of total imports.

Chile, with a CAGR of +34.4%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average lithium carbonate import price amounted to $X per ton, shrinking by -7.2% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, showed moderate growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the average import price increased by 48% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 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 Germany ($X per ton), while the price for the Netherlands ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Germany (+12.8%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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