Lithium carbonate imports fell further, likely to decline in October after reaching a high level

SHANGHAI, Nov 4 (SMM) — According to customs data, imports of lithium carbonate totalled 5,218 mt in September, up 53.7% from August and 155.5% from a year ago; the average import price stood at $4,185/mt, down 13.8% on the month and 45% on the year. From January to September, China imported 3,1993 mt of lithium carbonate, an increase of 50.3% year-on-year. According to SMM survey, part of imported lithium carbonate was used as raw material to produce lithium metal, lithium fluoride and other lithium salt products. Among the imports, 54.5% in Shanghai, 11.5% in Sichuan, and 12.4% in Jiangxi. 12.9% in Jiangsu.

Exports of lithium carbonate totalled 677 mt in September, down 32.4% from August and 28.6% from a year ago. Exports to South Korea totalled 350 mt, accounting for 51.7% of the total in September, down 51.5% on monthly basis; the average export prices stood at $7,819/mt, up 7.7% from August but 36% lower than a year ago. From January to September, China exported 5,744 mt of lithium carbonate, an decrease of 43.8% year-on-year.

Average import prices of lithium carbonate fell further, and the room of profit from purification rose

The increase in lithium carbonate in September came mainly from Chile, and imports in Shanghai rose 108% on the month