In 2022, the average price of battery-grade lithium carbonate stood at ****** U.S. dollars per metric ton. This figure is by far the highest price for battery-grade lithium carbonate recorded in the period of consideration. For 2024, lithium carbonate price was estimated at ****** U.S. dollars per metric ton. Lithium is a highly reactive soft and silvery-white alkali metal. As the third element in the periodic table, it cannot be found in its pure form in nature. Lithium is the least dense of solid elements and the lightest out of all metals. Lithium and batteries One of lithium’s most well-known end uses is in lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable and mostly used in portable electronics and electronic vehicles. In lithium-ion batteries, the lithium ions move from the negative electrode to positive electrode while in use, and the process is reversed while charging. These batteries are highly flammable but are also low-maintenance. They have a high energy density and a low self-discharge. Some drawbacks include the fact that they are expensive to manufacture, and that they require protection circuits to maintain the voltage safely. Lithium-ion batteries are also the single-largest end use of lithium, amounting to an ** percent share of global lithium consumption in 2024. Lithium demand forecasts Looking to the future, lithium demand is forecast to stand at *** million tons by 2025. This growth will be mainly driven by lithium-ion battery demand for electric vehicles. Demand is expected to remain the highest in China, which will consistently account for half of global lithium-ion battery demand.

Lithium fell to 72,950 CNY/T on July 30, 2025, down 0.27% from the previous day. Over the past month, Lithium's price has risen 19.00%, but it is still 10.49% lower than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Lithium - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.

Why did the Lithium Carbonate Price Change in July 2025? The Lithium Carbonate Price Index in the U.S. averaged USD 9,357/MT DDP USGC in Q2 2025, continuing a downward trajectory from earlier in the year as battery producers curtailed spot purchases.

The total cost of producing battery grade lithium carbonate by 2025 is expected to amount to approximately ***** and ***** U.S. dollars per ton of lithium carbonate equivalent from brine and spodumene, respectively. For the production of battery grade lithium carbonate from spodumene, the highest costs are forecast to be allocated in the processing of this mineral.

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Lithium Carbonate in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East Africa).

The price of battery-grade lithium carbonate in China surged in 2021 as demand for electric vehicles (EV) rose significantly in the Asian country. The price of one metric ton of battery-grade lithium carbonate stood at more than 43,700 U.S. dollars as of December 31, 2021, representing an increase of nearly 500 percent compared to prices recorded in January of that year.

In April 2023, the price of Lithium Carbonate was reported at $67,831 per ton (CIF, Japan), a 1.6% increase compared to the previous month.

In 2023, approx. 17K tons of lithium carbonates were imported into the United States; picking up by 7.2% on the year before.

China Market Price: Monthly Avg: Inorganic Chemical Material: Lithium Carbonate (Battery Grade): 99.5% data was reported at 76,500.000 RMB/Ton in Mar 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 78,900.000 RMB/Ton for Feb 2025. China Market Price: Monthly Avg: Inorganic Chemical Material: Lithium Carbonate (Battery Grade): 99.5% data is updated monthly, averaging 114,950.000 RMB/Ton from Jun 2020 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 597,000.000 RMB/Ton in Nov 2022 and a record low of 44,070.000 RMB/Ton in Jun 2020. China Market Price: Monthly Avg: Inorganic Chemical Material: Lithium Carbonate (Battery Grade): 99.5% data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by China National Chemical Economic and Technical Development Centre. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Price – Table CN.PC: China Petroleum & Chemical Industry Association: Petrochemical Price: Inorganic Chemical Material.

In 2025, the price of ** percent lithium carbonate is projected to be around **** U.S. dollars per kilogram. Growing global lithium demandThere has been a steady increase in battery demand globally, which in turn becomes a strong driver of lithium usage in the future. However, producers have been unable to keep up with the demand. In 2025, global lithium demand is expected to reach ***** metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent for non-rechargeable batteries. The 2018 annual average price of battery-grade lithium carbonate was ****** U.S. dollars per metric ton, increased from the ****** U.S. dollars in the previous year. Lithium demand by applicationLithium has many end use applications aside from batteries. For example, demand for lithium in ceramics is anticipated to reach ****** metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent in 2025. Another example is that the demand for lithium in polymers is expected to grow to ****** metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent by 2025, from the 2018 demand which was ***** metric tons.

In March 2025, the average lithium carbonate import price amounted to $9,742 per ton, reducing by -3.4% against the previous month.

The size of the Lithium Carbonate Market market was valued at USD 5,281 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 7,025 Million by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 3.9% during the forecast period. Lithium carbonate market is witnessing high growth rate owing to its crucial position in battery production and constant path towards transition into sustainable energy solutions. The rise in electric vehicle usage is a major driver of lithium carbonate demand, as these vehicles rely on high-performance lithium-ion batteries, which rely significantly on lithium carbonate for effective energy storage. Innovations in battery technology and the development of next-generation batteries are expanding lithium carbonate's applications and increasing its market potential. Furthermore, the increased use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, raises the need for effective energy storage solutions, driving up demand. However, the market's growth may be hampered by the environmental impact of lithium extraction and processing, severe government regulations, and variations in lithium carbonate pricing caused by supply-demand imbalances. Recent developments include: January 2024: Allkem and Livent completed an all-stock merger to form Arcadium Lithium. This merger is a strategic move to incorporate the existing resources and expand the production and supplier scale. Arcadium focuses on highly complementary assets and a vertically integrated business model focused on enhancing operational flexibility and predictability while lowering costs., October 2023: General Motors Holdings LLC (GM) executed a second tranche subscription agreement to which GM will purchase Lithium Americas (NewCo) shares of USD 329.85 million. Through this agreement, GM has 100% exclusive rights to Thacker Pass Phase 1 production for ten years, which produces lithium chemicals, including lithium carbonate., May 2023: SQM SA and Ford Motor Company announced a long-term strategic agreement to supply high-quality battery-grade lithium carbonate, which is an essential component for the manufacturing of high-performance electric vehicle batteries.. Key drivers for this market are: Growing Demand From Lithium-ion Batteries, Increasing Investments in the Glass and Ceramics Industry. Potential restraints include: Constraints in Lithium Extraction and Geographical Restriction of Lithium Mines. Notable trends are: Li-Ion Battery Applications Expected to Drive Growth.

In July 2022, the lithium carbonate price per ton amounted to $10,401, declining by -6.2% against the previous month.

Explore the Lithium Carbonate Manufacturing Plant Project Report 2025 by Procurement Resource. Stay updated on Lithium Carbonate manufacturing cost analysis, procurement insights, ROI, and market evaluation.

By 2025, producing battery grade lithium hydroxide globally from brine harvesting will involve, in general, more costs than from spodumene. This is because in the first process it is necessary to produce lithium carbonate as an intermediate product, to later generate lithium hydroxide. It is expected that the difference in production costs between these two processes will amount to almost 1,000 U.S. dollars per ton of lithium carbonate equivalent.

Lithium Carbonate Market size was valued at USD 5 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 18.15 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 15% during the forecasted period 2024 to 2031. Global Lithium Carbonate Market Drivers The market drivers for the Lithium Carbonate Market can be influenced by various factors. These may include:

• Growing Demand for Electric Vehicles (EVs): The rise in electric vehicle production is a significant driver, as lithium carbonate is a crucial component in lithium-ion batteries. • Energy Storage Systems: The increasing adoption of renewable energy sources (like solar and wind) and the need for efficient energy storage solutions boost demand for lithium batteries.

Global Lithium Carbonate Market Restraints Several factors can act as restraints or challenges for the Lithium Carbonate Market. These may include:

• Environmental Concerns: The extraction and processing of lithium can lead to significant environmental degradation, including water depletion and soil contamination, which may prompt stricter regulations. • Price Volatility: Fluctuations in lithium prices can create uncertainty for manufacturers and investors, making long-term planning difficult.

The industrial grade lithium carbonate market, valued at $946.8 million in 2025, is projected to experience steady growth, driven primarily by the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) sector and the expanding energy storage systems (ESS) market. The increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries, a key component in both EVs and ESS, is the primary catalyst for this market expansion. Further fueling this growth are advancements in battery technology leading to higher energy density and improved performance, increasing the overall demand for lithium carbonate. While supply chain constraints and geopolitical factors present challenges, technological innovations in lithium extraction and processing are mitigating these risks to some extent. The market is expected to maintain a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.6% throughout the forecast period (2025-2033), indicating a consistent, albeit moderate, expansion. Major players like SQM, Albemarle, and Livent are strategically investing in capacity expansion and technological improvements to meet the rising global demand. Regional variations in growth rates are likely, with regions possessing abundant lithium reserves and robust manufacturing bases expected to witness faster expansion. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of established multinational corporations and emerging regional players. Strategic partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions are prevalent, reflecting the intense competition and the desire to secure crucial lithium resources and processing capabilities. Government policies promoting clean energy and electric mobility are further bolstering market growth, particularly in regions with ambitious emissions reduction targets. However, environmental concerns related to lithium mining and processing remain a key restraint, pushing the industry to adopt more sustainable extraction and refining methods. Future growth will depend on the balance between meeting the escalating demand, addressing environmental concerns sustainably, and navigating geopolitical uncertainties related to resource availability and trade policies.

The global battery-grade lithium carbonate market size was valued at 2209.2 million in 2022, and is projected to reach USD 5142.6 million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.7% during the forecast period. Increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and consumer electronics, coupled with government incentives for the adoption of EVs, is driving market growth. Asia-Pacific is expected to hold the largest market share due to the presence of major EV and battery manufacturers, such as China, Japan, and South Korea. Key trends include the development of solid-state batteries and the use of lithium-ion batteries in energy storage systems. However, supply chain disruptions and the high cost of lithium carbonate pose challenges to the market. Major companies operating in the market include SQM, Albemarle, Livent (FMC), Orocobre, and Talison.

The global market for Salt Lake battery-grade lithium carbonate is experiencing robust growth, driven by the burgeoning demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems (ESS). The market size in 2025 is estimated at $1.54 billion (assuming "1540" in the provided data refers to market size in millions of USD). While the provided CAGR is missing, a reasonable estimate, considering the rapid expansion of the lithium-ion battery market, would be between 15-20% annually. This implies significant market expansion over the forecast period (2025-2033). Key growth drivers include increasing investments in renewable energy infrastructure, stringent emission regulations promoting EV adoption, and advancements in battery technology leading to higher energy density and longer lifespans. Major players like SQM, Albemarle, and FMC are strategically expanding their production capacities and exploring innovative extraction methods to meet the soaring demand. However, the market faces challenges. These include geopolitical uncertainties impacting lithium supply chains, environmental concerns associated with lithium extraction, and price volatility influenced by raw material availability and global economic conditions. Despite these restraints, the long-term outlook for Salt Lake battery-grade lithium carbonate remains positive, driven by consistent growth in the EV and ESS sectors. The segmentation of the market (missing in the provided data) likely includes various purity grades and applications, influencing pricing and demand patterns. Regional distribution is also a significant factor, with certain regions possessing abundant lithium resources and a strong presence of battery manufacturing facilities. The continued development of sustainable and efficient lithium extraction technologies will be crucial in ensuring the long-term sustainability and economic viability of this rapidly expanding market.

The global EV Battery Grade Lithium Carbonate market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) industry. The market is projected to reach a substantial size, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) that reflects significant year-on-year expansion. While precise figures for market size and CAGR are absent from the provided data, considering the rapid growth of the EV sector and the crucial role of lithium carbonate in EV battery production, a reasonable estimate would place the 2025 market size in the billions of dollars, with a CAGR exceeding 15% for the forecast period (2025-2033). This growth is fueled by increasing government incentives for EV adoption, expanding charging infrastructure, and a growing consumer preference for eco-friendly transportation. Key market segments, such as salt lake extraction and lithium ore extraction methods, are witnessing parallel expansion, catering to the rising demand. The application segment, dominated by Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), is the primary driver of this market expansion. Significant investments in lithium mining and processing facilities are further bolstering market growth. Several factors, however, present challenges to the market's continued expansion. These include geopolitical instability impacting supply chains, fluctuating lithium prices due to supply and demand imbalances, and environmental concerns related to lithium mining practices. Despite these restraints, the long-term outlook remains positive, driven by the irreversible global shift towards electric mobility. Leading companies like SQM, Albemarle, and Livent are strategically positioned to capitalize on this growth, constantly innovating to improve efficiency and sustainability in lithium production. Geographic distribution reflects significant activity in regions like North America, particularly the United States, and Asia Pacific, with China and increasingly India emerging as key players in both production and consumption. The continued expansion of the EV market and associated infrastructure will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of the EV Battery Grade Lithium Carbonate market, warranting ongoing monitoring and analysis.