[June 2026 China Lithium Spodumene Imports: 768,000 Physical Tonnes, Equivalent to ~72,000 Tonnes LCE]

【June 2026 China Lithium Spodumene Imports: 768,000 Physical Tonnes, Equivalent to ~72,000 Tonnes LCE】

In June 2026, China's lithium spodumene imports reached 768,000 physical tonnes, up 13% month-on-month and 33% year-on-year, equivalent to approximately 72,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE).Breakdown by source country: Australia – The largest supplier saw a year-end fiscal push, with arrivals exceeding 370,000 tonnes in June, up 12% month-on-month.Mali – Arrivals increased significantly month-on-month to 60,000 tonnes. South Africa and Nigeria – Both maintained stable shipments, each delivering over 110,000 tonnes. Notably, Nigerian ore has a higher grade, with concentrate accounting for more than 65% of its total. Zimbabwe – Affected by earlier transportation efficiency issues, arrivals reached 42,000 tonnes in June, a decline from the previous month.

According to SMM data screening, the total inbound ore in June corresponded to an LCE equivalent of 72,000 tonnes. It is worth noting that the share of lithium concentrate in total arrivals fell to 72% month-on-month, mainly because the majority of the 65,000 tonnes from Brazil consisted of previously booked lithium raw ore fines, which dragged down the overall concentrate ratio.