According to data from the General Administration of Customs, China's lithium concentrate imports in November 2024 were approximately 482,500 mt, equivalent to about 45,986 mt LCE. The physical tonnage decreased by 4.3% MoM.
Among them, imports from Australia were approximately 300,304 mt, accounting for 62% of China's total lithium concentrate imports; imports from Zimbabwe were about 118,543 mt, accounting for 25%; imports from Brazil were approximately 26,872 mt, accounting for 6%; and imports from Canada were about 2,901 mt, accounting for 1%.
On a MoM basis, the decline in November imports mainly came from Canada and Australia, with decreases of approximately 92% and 17%, respectively. In contrast, lithium concentrate imports from Zimbabwe showed a significant increase, up 124% MoM.
Looking ahead, based on port shipment volumes and order negotiations, lithium concentrate imports from Australia are expected to see limited growth from December-January, while imports from Africa may experience some increase. The total import volume of lithium concentrate is expected to remain at a high level.
Additionally, imports of raw ore from South Africa were approximately 51,800 mt, up 2.4% MoM from October.
