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Report World - Lithium Carbonate - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights for 499$
Report Update Feb 1, 2025

World - Lithium Carbonate - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights

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Global Lithium Carbonate Market 2025

Lithium Carbonate Market Size

After two years of decline, the global lithium carbonate market increased by 28% to $X in 2021. Overall, consumption recorded prominent growth. Over the period under review, the global market hit record highs in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in the near future.

Lithium Carbonate Production

In value terms, lithium carbonate production skyrocketed to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production saw a strong expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 89% against the previous year. Global production peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Lithium Carbonate Exports

Exports

In 2021, global exports of lithium carbonates skyrocketed to X tons, rising by 30% compared with 2020. In general, exports enjoyed a prominent expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when exports increased by 40% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the global exports attained the peak figure in 2021 and are likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

In value terms, lithium carbonate exports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports saw a prominent increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 105% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the global exports hit record highs at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Chile was the major exporter of lithium carbonates in the world, with the volume of exports accounting for X tons, which was approx. 67% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Argentina (X tons), creating a 16% share of total exports. The following exporters - China (X tons), the Netherlands (X tons), Belgium (X tons), South Korea (X tons) and the United States (X tons) - together made up 14% of total exports.

Exports from Chile increased at an average annual rate of +10.5% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, the Netherlands (+33.3%), South Korea (+30.2%), Argentina (+14.2%), China (+11.5%) and the United States (+5.7%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, the Netherlands emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in the world, with a CAGR of +33.3% from 2012-2021. Belgium experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Argentina, the Netherlands and South Korea increased by +3.6, +3 and +1.6 percentage points, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Chile ($X) remains the largest lithium carbonate supplier worldwide, comprising 60% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Argentina ($X), with an 18% share of global exports. It was followed by China, with a 6.7% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Chile stood at +15.6%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Argentina (+23.1% per year) and China (+19.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average lithium carbonate export price amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 16% against the previous year. Overall, the export price recorded a buoyant expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when the average export price increased by 46%. The global export price peaked at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was China ($X per ton), while the United States ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Netherlands (+10.1%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Lithium Carbonate Imports

Imports

For the eighth consecutive year, the global market recorded growth in purchases abroad of lithium carbonates, which increased by 34% to X tons in 2021. Over the period under review, imports saw a resilient expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 41%. Global imports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, lithium carbonate imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. In general, imports posted a strong expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 94% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global imports attained the maximum at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, China (X tons) was the major importer of lithium carbonates, creating 41% of total imports. South Korea (X tons) held a 21% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Japan (11%), the United States (6.3%) and Russia (4.6%). The Netherlands (X tons) and Germany (X tons) held a minor share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main importing countries, was attained by the Netherlands (with a CAGR of +38.1%), while imports for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest lithium carbonate importing markets worldwide were China ($X), South Korea ($X) and Japan ($X), with a combined 75% share of global imports.

In terms of the main importing countries, China, with a CAGR of +27.5%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average lithium carbonate import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, approximately equating the previous year. In general, the import price showed a prominent expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 an increase of 42%. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

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 Japan ($X per ton), while Russia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Korea (+7.3%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :

China remains the largest lithium oxide, hydroxide and carbonate consuming country worldwide, accounting for 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.
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 comprising a further 17%.
In value terms, China, Chile and Argentina appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2021, with a combined 74% share of global exports. The United States, the Netherlands, Russia and Belgium lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 20%.
In value terms, the largest lithium oxide, hydroxide and carbonate importing markets worldwide were South Korea, China and Japan, with a combined 76% share of global imports. The United States, the Netherlands, Germany, Russia, South Africa, Belgium and France lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 16%.
In 2021, the average export price for lithium oxide, hydroxide and carbonates amounted to $8,808 per ton, increasing by 8.7% against the previous year.
In 2021, the average import price for lithium oxide, hydroxide and carbonates amounted to $8,503 per ton, shrinking by -3.3% against the previous year.

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the global lithium carbonate market. 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:

    Worldwide - the report contains statistical data for 200 countries and includes detailed profiles of the 50 largest consuming countries:

    + the largest producing countries

    Data coverage:

    • Global market volume and value
    • Per Capita consumption
    • Forecast of the market dynamics in the medium term
    • Global production, split by region and country
    • Global trade (exports and imports)
    • 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
    • Find deeper insights into current market developments
    • 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:

    1. How to diversify your business and benefit from new market opportunities
    2. How to load your idle production capacity
    3. How to boost your sales on overseas markets
    4. How to increase your profit margins
    5. How to make your supply chain more sustainable
    6. How to reduce your production and supply chain costs
    7. How to outsource production to other countries
    8. 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. 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. 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. 3. MARKET OVERVIEW

      Understanding the Current State of The Market and Its Prospects

      1. MARKET SIZE
      2. CONSUMPTION BY COUNTRY
      3. MARKET FORECAST TO 2030

    4. 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. 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. 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. 7. GLOBAL PRODUCTION

      The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry

      1. PRODUCTION VOLUME AND VALUE
      2. PRODUCTION BY COUNTRY

    8. 8. GLOBAL IMPORTS

      The Largest Importers on The Market and How They Succeed

      1. IMPORTS FROM 2012–2024
      2. IMPORTS BY COUNTRY
      3. IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY

    9. 9. GLOBAL EXPORTS

      The Largest Exporters on The Market and How They Succeed

      1. EXPORTS FROM 2012–2024
      2. EXPORTS BY COUNTRY
      3. EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY

    10. 10. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERS

      The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles

      This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO

    11. 11. COUNTRY PROFILES

      The Largest Markets And Their Profiles

      This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
      • United States
      • China
      • Japan
      • Germany
      • United Kingdom
      • France
      • Brazil
      • Italy
      • Russian Federation
      • India
      • Canada
      • Australia
      • Republic of Korea
      • Spain
      • Mexico
      • Indonesia
      • Netherlands
      • Turkey
      • Saudi Arabia
      • Switzerland
      • Sweden
      • Nigeria
      • Poland
      • Belgium
      • Argentina
      • Norway
      • Austria
      • Thailand
      • United Arab Emirates
      • Colombia
      • Denmark
      • South Africa
      • Malaysia
      • Israel
      • Singapore
      • Egypt
      • Philippines
      • Finland
      • Chile
      • Ireland
      • Pakistan
      • Greece
      • Portugal
      • Kazakhstan
      • Algeria
      • Czech Republic
      • Qatar
      • Peru
      • Romania
      • Vietnam

    12. LIST OF TABLES

      1. Key Findings In 2024
      2. Market Volume, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
      3. Market Value, 2012–2024
      4. Per Capita Consumption, By Country, 2018–2024
      5. Production, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
      6. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
      7. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
      8. Import Prices, By Country Of Destination, 2012–2024
      9. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
      10. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
      11. Export Prices, By Country Of Origin, 2012–2024

    13. LIST OF FIGURES

      1. Market Volume, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
      2. Market Value, 2012–2024
      3. Consumption, By Country, 2024
      4. Market Volume Forecast to 2030
      5. Market Value Forecast to 2030
      6. Products: Market Size And Growth, By Type
      7. Products: Average Per Capita Consumption, By Type
      8. Products: Exports And Growth, By Type
      9. Products: Export Prices And Growth, By Type
      10. Production Volume And Growth
      11. Exports And Growth
      12. Export Prices And Growth
      13. Market Size And Growth
      14. Per Capita Consumption
      15. Imports And Growth
      16. Import Prices
      17. Production, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
      18. Production, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
      19. Production, By Country, 2024
      20. Production, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
      21. Imports, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
      22. Imports, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
      23. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2024
      24. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
      25. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
      26. Import Prices, By Country, 2012–2024
      27. Exports, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
      28. Exports, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
      29. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2024
      30. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
      31. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
      32. Export Prices, 2012–2024

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