SMM Analysis: China Lithium Carbonate Imports Soared in September amid Capacity Ramp-up Overseas

SHANGHAI, Oct 27 (SMM) - According to customs data, in September 2022, China's lithium carbonate import volume was 12,527 mt, an increase of 11% month-on-month and a year-on-year increase of 251%. In September, the production capacity of overseas lithium salt enterprises ramped up steadily, allowing China’s imports to increase. Imports from Chile increased by 14% month-on-month, while those from Argentina decreased by 3% month-on-month. The average import price was $61,221/mt in September, a decrease of 14% month-on-month, but up 9134% year-on-year. The average import price from Chile stood at $64,783/mt, down 15% MoM. 62% of imported lithium carbonate went to Shanghai, 15% to Fujian, 10% to Guangdong, and 6% to Sichuan.  From January to September, import volume totalled 104,517 mt, an increase of 76% year-on-year.

China exported 7,723 mt of lithium hydroxide in September, a month-on-month decrease of 1% but year-on-year increase of 3%. Exports to South Korea rose 19% month-on-month, while exports to Japan fell 23% month-on-month. The average export price was $47,011/mt in September, an increase of 5% month-on-month and 341% year-on-year. The average price of lithium hydroxide exported to South Korea was $60,299/mt, and that of lithium hydroxide exported to Japan was $21,774/mt. From January to September, export volume totalled 66,001 mt, an increase of 23% YoY.

China imported 244,235 mt of spodumene concentrates in September, down 5% MoM but up 77% YoY. Import volume from Australia was 230,756 mt, accounting for about 94% of the total imports. 41% went to Jiangxi Province, 41% to Sichuan Province, 11% to Fujian Province, and 4% to Shanghai. From January to September, China's cumulative import volume of spodumene concentrate was 1,723,008 mt (about 246,000 mt of LCE).