[SMM Analysis] In December, China's lithium hydroxide exports reached 7,038 mt, up 21% MoM.

 According to customs data, China's lithium hydroxide exports in December reached 7,038 mt, up 21% MoM but down 43% YoY. Among them, exports to South Korea amounted to 5,058 mt, accounting for 72% of China's total exports, up 40% MoM; exports to Japan were 1,617 mt, accounting for 23%, and were basically flat MoM. The average export price of China's lithium hydroxide in December was $13,266/mt, up 4% MoM. The MoM increase in export volume was mainly due to some enterprises increasing exports at year-end to maintain long-term supply agreements.

Additionally, lithium hydroxide imports in the same month amounted to 608 mt, down 50% MoM, with 560 mt coming from Australia, accounting for 92%.

Data source: General Administration of Customs, compiled by SMM