China Spodumene Concentrate Imports Skyrocket In September, With Australia Being Top Supplier

In September, China's import volume of spodumene concentrate skyrocketed to 490,000 mt, up 119% MoM and 105% YoY. Australia accounted for about 80% (399,118 mt), up 131% MoM, mainly due to large shipments to Sichuan ports (177,633 mt). Imports from Africa, including Nigeria and Zimbabwe, also significantly increased. Market news suggests huge lithium ore imports from Zimbabwe by year-end, potentially reaching 10,000 mt LCE in a given month, pending verification.