Customs data showed:
China's total lithium carbonate imports in June 2025 reached approximately 17,698 mt, down 16% MoM and 10% YoY. The average import price stood at$10,120/mt,up 7.8% MoM from May.
By origin, imports from Chile totaled11,853 mt, down 11% MoM, accounting for 67%of total imports; shipments from Argentina reached5,094 mt, down 23% MoM, representing 29%of total imports. Chile and Argentina remained China's primary lithium carbonate suppliers.
Latest Chilean customs data indicated approximately 10,000 mt of lithium carbonate was shipped to China in June, up 6% MoM. Downstream material plants continued increasing captive supply ratios, weakening spot order purchase willingness, while overseas lithium chemical producers faced sluggish shipments. However, their full-year shipment guidance remained unchanged, with H2 volumes expected to recover. Overall, China's lithium carbonate imports are projected to fluctuate at highs.
On exports, China shipped 430 mt of lithium carbonate in June, up 50% MoM but down 14% YoY, mainly to Japan and Indonesia.
Data sources: General Administration of Customs, SMM
