[SMM Analysis] Breakdown of China's spodumene import data for May 2026

According to customs data, China's spodumene imports in May 2026 reached 681,000 physical tons, down 10% month-on-month but up 12.5% year-on-year, equivalent to approximately 66,000 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE). The monthly import volume continued to decline from April.

By source country:

• Australian ore arrivals returned to a relatively normal level, exceeding 330,000 tons this month, down 6% month-on-month.

• Shipments from Zimbabwe, dispatched earlier, arrived at 63,800 tons, down 41% month-on-month.

• South Africa and Nigeria maintained stable exports from April to May, with arrivals ranging between 90,000 and 110,000 tons per month.

• Mali's arrivals were relatively low this month at only 38,000 tons; although up month-on-month, they have not yet returned to a higher level.

Additionally, based on SMM's screening, the imported ore in May equated to 66,000 tons of LCE. Lithium concentrate accounted for 81% of the total ore, a slight increase from the previous month's share.

Source: China Customs, SMM