SMM September 20:
According to customs data:
In August 2024, China's total import volume of lithium carbonate was approximately 17,685 mt, down 27% MoM, with an average import price of about $10,781/mt.
Among them, imports of lithium carbonate from Chile were about 12,920 mt, down 33% MoM, accounting for 73% of the total imports; imports from Argentina were about 4,516 mt, down 4% MoM, accounting for 26% of the total imports. Chile and Argentina remain the main sources of China's lithium carbonate imports, maintaining a relatively strong position. In terms of import share, Argentina's share increased from 20% in July to 26%. It is expected that with the expansion of capacity in Argentina, the volume of lithium carbonate exported to China will gradually increase, potentially capturing part of Chile's export market.
In August, the largest customs clearance destination for China's lithium carbonate imports was still Shanghai, with an import volume of about 11,780 mt, accounting for 67% of the total.
Data Source: General Administration of Customs, SMM
