China's Lithium Carbonate Imports for November 2025 Released [SMM Analysis]

According to customs data:

In November 2025, China's total lithium carbonate imports amounted to approximately 22,055 mt, down 8% MoM but up 15% YoY. The average import price was about $9,915/mt, up 11% MoM compared to the average price in October.

By source, imports from Chile were around 10,800 mt, down 27% MoM, accounting for about 49% of the total imports; imports from Argentina reached about 8,043 mt, up 11% MoM, representing about 36% of the total; imports from Indonesia were approximately 1,900 mt, up 26% MoM, making up about 9% of the total. Chile and Argentina remained the primary sources of lithium carbonate imports for China. From January to November, China's cumulative lithium carbonate imports totaled 219,000 mt, up 5.8% YoY.

On the export side, China exported 759 mt of lithium carbonate in November, up 209% MoM and 248% YoY, mainly to Japan and South Korea. From January to November, China's cumulative lithium carbonate exports reached 4,378 mt, up 36.6% YoY.

Data source: General Administration of Customs, SMM