[SMM Analysis] China's lithium hydroxide exports reached 4,222 mt in April, basically flat MoM

 According to customs data, China's lithium hydroxide exports reached 4,222 mt in April, remaining basically flat MoM and decreasing by 61% YoY.

Of this, exports to South Korea amounted to 2,047 mt, accounting for 48% of China's total exports, decreasing by 6% MoM and 72% YoY. Exports to Japan reached 1,756 mt, accounting for 42% of China's total exports, decreasing by 7% MoM and 40% YoY. The average export price of lithium hydroxide in China was $14,297/mt in April, up 8% MoM. Since the beginning of 2025, weak overseas downstream demand, coupled with the partial transfer of overseas lithium hydroxide orders for domestic delivery, has led to a sustained low level of export volumes. Additionally, lithium hydroxide imports in the month amounted to 1,276 mt, decreasing by 35% MoM. Of this, imports from Australia and Argentina amounted to 1,094 mt, accounting for 86%, primarily due to the sales of inventory and output from Chinese-funded smelters in Australia and the production from salt lakes in Argentina.

Data source: General Administration of Customs, compiled by SMM