China’s Spodumene Imports Rise 7% MoM in September, with Australia, Nigeria and Zimbabwe the Top Three Sources

According to compiled Chinese customs data, China imported 970,100 physical tonnes of spodumene in September 2026, up approximately 7.0% from 906,600 tonnes in August. Based on the classification and assumed grades, moisture content and conversion factors used in this analysis, September imports represented approximately 81,300 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE).

By origin, imports from Australia, Nigeria and Zimbabwe increased significantly. Australia remained the largest supplier, with shipments to China reaching 446,200 tonnes, up approximately 36.7% month on month and accounting for around 46.0% of total imports. Nigeria became the second-largest supplier at 189,800 tonnes, up approximately 40.1%, while imports from Zimbabwe rose approximately 83.0% to 136,500 tonnes. Imports from South Africa fell approximately 49.6% to 112,400 tonnes, whereas imports from Brazil increased approximately 30.9% to 81,200 tonnes. Smaller volumes came from Burundi, Rwanda and Mozambique, at approximately 1,800 tonnes, 1,300 tonnes and 1,000 tonnes, respectively, with limited shipments from Zambia and Somalia. No imports from Mali or Canada appeared in the September dataset.

Overall, China’s spodumene imports continued to grow in September, with the composition shifting toward concentrate. Under the classification used in this analysis, concentrate imports reached approximately 688,800 tonnes, accounting for 71.0% of total physical imports, compared with 60.7% in August. Raw ore imports stood at approximately 281,300 tonnes. Increased concentrate imports from Australia, Zimbabwe and Nigeria offset lower imports from Mali and Canada, providing the main support for growth in China’s imported lithium resource supply during the month.