In May, China imported approximately 24,565 mt of lithium carbonate, up 15.9% MoM. Of this total, about 20,288 mt (83%) were from Chile, while around 3,703 mt (15%) came from Argentina. om domestic ore-based sources. As a result, domestic Chile and Argentina remain the primary sources of lithium carbonate imports to China. According to Chilean customs data, approximately 35,440 mt were exported to China over May and June. Considering the shipping cycle, China's lithium carbonate imports are expected to remain high during June and July.
The cost of producing lithium carbonate from overseas salt lakes is significantly lower than Chinese lithium carbonate production using ore, Chinese lithium carbonate lacks a price advantage internationally, leading to a very small export share. Additionally, with no clear sign of improvement in international demand for lithium carbonate, Chinese exports are expected to continue at low levels.

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