China’s Lithium Carbonate Imports down 12% MoM in Dec 2022 with Imports from Chile Falling Most

SHANGHAI, Feb 1 (SMM) - According to customs data, Chinese lithium carbonate imports stood at 10,876 mt in December, down 12% MoM and up 50% YoY. In terms of country of origin, imports from Chile lost 19% MoM, but those from Argentina added 66% MoM. The average import price stood at $54,271/mt in December 2022, an increase of 1% month-on-month and 366% year-on-year. Among them, the average price of imported lithium carbonate from Chile was $58,034/mt, a slight increase of 3% from November. In terms of the destinations of the imports, 40% of Chinese total imports of lithium carbonate went to Shanghai, 35% to Guangdong, 10% to Jiangsu, and 8% to Fujian. The imports totalled 136,092 mt from January to December 2022, a year-on-year increase of 68%.

China exported 8,759 mt of lithium hydroxide in December 2022, a month-on-month drop of 1% and year-on-year increase of 15%. Among them, exports to South Korea fell 5% from the previous month, and those to Japan rose 11% MoM. The average export price was $46,867/mt in December 2022, a drop of 4% month-on-month and a surge of 200% year-on-year. The average price of lithium hydroxide exported to South Korea was $54,549/mt, and that exported to Japan was $34,412/mt. From January to December 2022, Chinese exports of lithium hydroxide totalled 93,379 mt, a year-on-year increase of 27%.

China imported 308,834 mt of spodumene concentrate in physical content in December 2022, down 12% on the month. The imports from Australia recorded 277,349 mt, accounting for about 90% of Chinese monthly import volume. In terms of the destinations of the imports, 39% of imports went to Sichuan province, 24% Jiangxi province, 15% Shanghai, and 8% Jiangsu province. From January to December 2022, the combined imports of spodumene concentrate stood at 2,842,998 mt in physical content (equivalent to about 355,400 mt LCE).