[SMM Analysis] China's total spodumene imports reached 623,000 mt in April, up 16.5% MoM

Published: May 20, 2025 19:30

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According to data from the General Administration of Customs, China's domestic spodumene imports totaled 623,000 mt in April, up 16.5% MoM, equivalent to 54,000 mt of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE).

Specifically, Australia, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe were the main sources of imports. Among them, lithium ore imports from Australia reached 298,000 mt, down 3% MoM; imports from Zimbabwe totaled 106,000 mt, up 82% MoM; and imports from Nigeria amounted to 89,000 mt, up 4% MoM. Imports from South Africa stood at 40,400 mt, down 22% MoM, representing a significant decline.

Additionally, spodumene concentrate imports in April reached 520,000 mt, accounting for 83% of total ore imports, with the majority originating from countries such as Australia and Zimbabwe.

Data source: China Customs, processed data from SMM based on publicly available information.

Note: It may not be possible to accurately calculate the actual monthly spodumene concentrate imports from customs data, with some data reported only in terms of the general direction of import volumes.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

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