[SMM Analysis] China Imported 605,000 mt of Spodumene in May, Maintaining High Volume Levels

Published: Jun 21, 2025 00:30

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According to customs data, the total imports of spodumene in May were approximately 605,000 mt, down slightly by 2.9% MoM, equivalent to approximately 53,000 mt in lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE).

In May, total spodumene imports reached approximately 605,000 mt, down slightly by 2.9% MoM, equivalent to around 53,000 mt of LCE.

Specifically, Australia, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe remained the major sources of imports, accounting for 88% of the total volume and proportion. Notably, import volumes from Australia and South Africa increased significantly, up 24.8% and 29.9% MoM, respectively. Lithium ore imports from Zimbabwe amounted to 97,000 mt, down 8.2% MoM. Lithium ore imports from Brazil stood at 15,000 mt, down 71.7% MoM. Lithium ore imports from Canada were 3,507 mt, down 89.8% MoM, representing a significant decline.

Additionally, in May, spodumene concentrates amounted to 517,000 mt, accounting for 85.4% of the total ore volume, and remained basically flat MoM. Most of these concentrates originated from Australia and Zimbabwe.

Data source: China Customs, SMM's processed data based on publicly available information.

Note: Customs data may not fully capture the actual monthly imports of spodumene concentrates with precision, and some data are reported based on the general direction of import volumes.

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.

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