China lithium concentrate imports soared in September, but may drop in October

In September, spodumene concentrate import volume reached 499,695 mt, up 119% MoM. Of this, 170,000 mt went to a major lithium salt factory in Sichuan Province, significantly increasing overall September import volume. Simultaneously, imports from Africa and Brazil concentrated at the port, leading to a synchronized import volume increase from non-Australian regions. However, due to a sharp decrease in ore quantities mined by the Sichuan lithium salt factory in Q4, the high import volume seen in September is unlikely to repeat. Due to the concentration of lithium ore from Zimbabwe, Africa arriving at ports, and the overall decline in ore prices in other mainstream regions, it's anticipated that October's customs import volume will remain high, but overall slightly lower than September's peak. Considering shipping times are typically 1-3 months, most low-cost purchase orders negotiated in October are expected to concentrate at ports by late November or December, creating another annual peak. However, as lithium salt's expected price continues to fall amid the current weak supply and demand situation, the profit margin for lithium salt factories buying low-cost ore may still be hard to increase, but the loss situation will significantly improve.