In June 2026, China imported 25,861 mt of lithium carbonate, exported 261 mt of lithium carbonate; and imported 13,500 mt of lithium sulfate.

[In June 2026, China imported 25,861 mt of lithium carbonate, exported 261 mt of lithium carbonate; imported 13,500 mt of lithium sulfate]

According to customs data, in June China imported 25,861 mt of lithium carbonate, down 31% MoM and up 46% YoY. Of this, imports from Chile were 16,037 mt, accounting for 62% of the total; from Argentina were 8,403 mt, accounting for 32%; and from Indonesia were 500 mt, accounting for 2%. In January-June, China's cumulative imports of lithium carbonate were 179,000 mt, up 52% YoY.

In June, China exported 261 mt of lithium carbonate, up 30% MoM and down 39% YoY. In January-June, China's cumulative exports of lithium carbonate were 2,348 mt, down 5.6% YoY.

In June, China imported 13,544 mt of lithium sulfate, up 12% MoM and up 60% YoY. In January-June, China's cumulative imports of lithium sulfate were 84,600 mt, up 96% YoY. Of this, imports from Chile were 13,440 mt and from Zimbabwe were 104 mt.