【SMM Analysis】Domestic Lithium Carbonate Import Volume for September 2024 update

SMM October 21:

According to customs data:

In September 2024, China imported approximately 16,265 mt of lithium carbonate, down 8% MoM, with an average import price of about $9,851/mt.

Among these, imports from Chile were about 13,927 mt, up 8% MoM, accounting for 86% of the total imports; imports from Argentina were about 2,026 mt, down 55% MoM, accounting for 12% of the total imports. Chile and Argentina remain the main sources of China's lithium carbonate imports, maintaining a relatively strong position. The volume of lithium carbonate arriving in China from Chile in September saw a rebound. After four consecutive months of MoM declines in export volumes, Chile exported 16,600 mt of lithium products to China in September, up 37% MoM. Considering the shipping cycle, it is expected that China's lithium carbonate imports will increase in October.

In September, Shanghai remained the largest customs clearance destination for China's lithium carbonate imports, with an import volume of about 13,371 mt, accounting for 82% of the total.

Data source: General Administration of Customs, SMM