Customs data shows that in November 2025, China's spodumene imports reached 729,000 physical tons, a month-on-month increase of 12%, equivalent to approximately 81,000 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) based on SMM's statistical calculations after accounting for average grade and moisture content.
By source country, Australia was the primary contributor to the increase, with imports reaching 425,000 tons in November, a significant month-on-month rise of 44%, accounting for 58% of total imports. Imports from Zimbabwe were 110,000 tons, down 28% month-on-month, while imports from Nigeria totaled 92,000 tons, a decrease of 16% month-on-month. Additionally, a concentrated shipment of 73,000 tons of spodumene ore arrived from Mali.
Imports of spodumene from South Africa continued to decline, with arrivals in November nearly dropping to zero.
Furthermore, based on SMM's screening and analysis, spodumene concentrate imports in November were approximately 678,000 tons, accounting for 93% of the total ore imports.
Data source: China Customs, compiled by SMM
