China Lithium Ore Imports Increased Steadily In July And Are Expected To Maintain Growth

Published: Aug 30, 2023 13:23

Source: SMM

Save

SHANGHAI, Aug 30 (SMM) – In July 2023, China's spodumene concentrate imports were about 371,979 mt in physical content (equivalent to about 38,000 mt in LCE equivalent), an increase of 6% MoM and 27% YoY. The average import price is about $4,083/mt. The increase in imports in July came mainly from Australia and Brazil, major exporters of lithium ore. July lithium concentrate imports from Australia were about 321,675 mt, accounting for about 86.5% of monthly imports, up 5% from June. 49% of imported spodumene concentrates went to Shanghai, 21% to Jiangxi Province, and 14% to Sichuan Province.

Lithium salt prices rebound and stayed at the high level in May-June, which was the main reason for higher imports. Due to the repricing of overseas mines in Q3 and the steadily strengthening lithium ore demand from domestic lithium salt plants in the future, it is estimated that subsequent lithium ore imports will rise steadily.

Import/Export

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM's internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or for more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

Sep 11, 2026 19:02

[SMM Analysis] DRC Cobalt Exports Surge, Shifting Near-Term Bargaining Power to Buyers

The Democratic Republic of the Congo's cobalt exports are gradually recovering, according to the country's mining report for the first half of 2026. The concentrated release of material should ease China's cobalt feedstock shortage and shift bargaining power toward buyers. With cobalt salt demand weak and smelter margins under pressure, additional arrivals will make it harder for sellers to hold firm, and price concessions will be needed to unlock transactions.

Sep 11, 2026 19:02

Sep 11, 2026 18:17

[SMM Analysis] August Korea ESS Market Review: Greater Demand Visibility as Grid Policies Take Shape

Korea’s ESS market moved closer to actual procurement expansion in August as policy support for renewable integration and grid stability became more concrete. Attention focused on the next ESS centralized contract market, distribution-grid projects, and stronger non-price criteria such as safety and supply capability. Actual demand growth will depend on final tender volumes, project execution and battery shipments.

Sep 11, 2026 18:17

Sep 11, 2026 17:49

China Aims to Become Global Automotive Power by 2030 with NEV and Autonomous Tech Push

[MIIT and eight other departments: China to join ranks of world's automotive powers by 2030] The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and eight other departments have issued the 15th Five-Year Plan for the Development of the Intelligent Connected NEV Industry. The plan proposes that by 2030, China's advantages across the entire intelligent connected NEV industry chain will be further consolidated, enabling the country to join the ranks of the world's automotive powers. In the Chinese market, passenger NEVs and commercial NEVs are expected to account for 70% and 40% of total new vehicle sales in their respective segments, and vehicles with autonomous driving functions will achieve large-scale application.

Sep 11, 2026 17:49