Lithium rose to 63,750 CNY/T on July 11, 2025, up 0.16% from the previous day. Over the past month, Lithium's price has risen 5.11%, but it is still 29.56% 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.

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 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.

Explore the factors influencing the global lithium commodity price, a vital component in clean energy and technology sectors, amidst market volatility, geopolitical influences, and technological advancements in battery production.

Snapshot img

Lithium Market Size 2023-2027

The lithium market size is forecast to increase by 1066.47 thousand t, at a CAGR of 25% between 2022 and 2027.

The India Solar Power Market is segmented by Application (Batteries, Ceramics and Glass, Grease, Polymer, Others), Product (Carbonate, Hydroxide, Metal, Chloride, Others), Source (Brine, Hardrock), end-user industry (Automotive, Electronics, Energy Storage, Aerospace, Industrial, Healthcare, Others), and Geography (North America: US, Canada; Europe: France, Germany, Italy, UK; Middle East and Africa: Egypt, KSA, Oman, UAE; APAC: China, India, Japan; South America: Argentina, Brazil; Rest of World). This segmentation reflects the market's diversity, driven by rising demand for Batteries and Energy Storage in India and China, increasing use of Carbonate and Hydroxide in Electronics and Automotive, and a mix of Brine and Hardrock sources to meet industrial and regional needs across the APAC region.



The market is experiencing significant growth due to the surge in demand from various applications, including batteries for electric vehicles, ceramics, and glass industries. This demand is driving capacity expansions among key players to meet the increasing market needs. However, the market faces challenges from the rising availability of substitute products, such as nickel-metal hydride and lead-acid batteries, which may impact the adoption rate of lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, the production process of lithium involves complex and energy-intensive procedures, which can increase the overall cost and potentially hinder market penetration.
Companies seeking to capitalize on market opportunities should focus on improving the efficiency and sustainability of lithium production processes. Meanwhile, those looking to navigate challenges effectively may explore collaborations and partnerships to share resources and expertise, as well as invest in research and development to differentiate their offerings and stay competitive.

What will be the Size of the Lithium Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2017-2021 and forecasts 2023-2027 - in the full report.
Request Free Sample

The market continues to evolve, driven by the expanding applications of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) across various sectors. From electric vehicles (EVs) and electric buses to consumer electronics, electric bicycles, and portable power, the demand for LIBs is on the rise. This continuous growth is influenced by several factors, including advancements in battery technology such as solid-state batteries and battery recycling. The lithium supply chain is undergoing significant changes, with a focus on resource scarcity and environmental impact. Innovations in cathode materials, anode materials, and cell manufacturing are aimed at improving energy density, power output, and battery life.

Thermal management and battery safety standards are also critical considerations, as the industry strives to ensure the reliability and safety of these energy storage solutions. Battery swapping and battery management systems are gaining traction in the market, providing convenient and efficient solutions for charging infrastructure. Renewable energy integration and hydrogen storage are emerging applications for LIBs, further expanding their reach. Moreover, the development of alternative battery technologies, such as lithium-sodium batteries, lithium-air batteries, and flow batteries, is adding to the market's dynamism. Incentives and subsidies are also playing a crucial role in driving the adoption of these energy storage solutions.

The ongoing evolution of the market is marked by a constant pursuit of energy efficiency, power output, and safety standards. The integration of these advancements into battery design and manufacturing processes is shaping the future of the industry.

How is this Lithium Industry segmented?

The lithium industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD thousand t' for the period 2023-2027, as well as historical data from 2017-2021 for the following segments.

Application

  Batteries
  Ceramics and glass
  Grease
  Polymer
  Others


Product

  Carbonate
  Hydroxide
  Metal
  Chloride
  Others


Source

  Brine
  Hardrock


End-user Industry

  Automotive
  Electronics
  Energy Storage
  Aerospace
  Industrial
  Healthcare
  Others


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  Middle East and Africa

    Egypt
    KSA
    Oman
    UAE


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  South America

    Argentina
    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

.

By Application Insights

The batteries segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market is pr

Explore the growing importance of lithium hydroxide in the EV and electronics sectors, the role of the London Metal Exchange in pricing, and the influence of market dynamics on lithium futures contracts and investor opportunities.

Lithium ETF stock price, live market quote, shares value, historical data, intraday chart, earnings per share and news.

The futures price of cobalt ranged between ****** and ****** U.S. dollars per metric ton between August 2019 and May 2024. The impact of the COVID-19 crisis can be appreciated between March and July 2020, when cobalt futures prices dropped to around ****** U.S. dollars per metric ton. The first significant increase in this figure following the beginning of the pandemic was in August 2020, followed by a generalized increase throughout 2021 to the reach a peak of ****** U.S. dollars in March 2022. Futures vs. Spot prices Futures prices are delineated in futures contracts, which allow buying or selling a commodity at a predetermined price and date, helping investors forecast the market through futures prices. Almost ** billion futures contracts were traded worldwide in 2022. In comparison, spot prices indicate the current cost of buying a commodity. For example, the average cobalt spot price in the United States was ** U.S. dollars per pound in 2022. Cobalt in battery production Cobalt is a primary component of producing batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, used in various electronic devices, especially electric vehicles (EVs). EV batteries require a specific amount of cobalt, while conventional vehicles do not. With an increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries in EVs as the EV industry advances, the global cobalt market volume is expected to increase continuously by 2025.

Lithium Carbonate Spot Trading Platform Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global lithium carbonate spot trading platform market size reached USD 1.86 billion in 2024, reflecting the burgeoning demand for transparent and efficient trading mechanisms in the lithium supply chain. The market is poised to expand at a robust CAGR of 13.4% from 2025 to 2033, with a projected value of USD 5.57 billion by 2033. This surge is primarily fueled by the exponential growth in lithium-ion battery production, rising adoption of electric vehicles, and increasing interest in digital commodity trading platforms.

The primary growth driver for the lithium carbonate spot trading platform market is the accelerating demand for lithium-ion batteries, particularly within the electric vehicle (EV) and renewable energy sectors. As governments worldwide set ambitious targets for carbon neutrality and electrification of transportation, the need for efficient, transparent, and real-time lithium carbonate trading has become paramount. Spot trading platforms offer market participants instant price discovery, reduced transaction times, and improved liquidity, thereby enabling battery manufacturers and other end users to secure critical raw materials more effectively. Furthermore, the volatility in lithium prices and the need for hedging strategies have made real-time trading platforms an essential tool for risk management and supply chain optimization.

Another significant growth factor is the ongoing digital transformation of commodity trading. Traditional lithium trading methods, often characterized by opaque pricing and limited market access, are being supplanted by digital platforms that leverage advanced analytics, blockchain technology, and automated trading algorithms. These innovations are fostering a more competitive and accessible market environment, attracting not only established industry players but also new entrants and financial institutions. As a result, the lithium carbonate spot trading platform market is experiencing rapid technological advancements, with platforms offering sophisticated features such as smart contracts, real-time analytics, and customizable trading interfaces to cater to diverse user requirements.

The increasing complexity of global lithium supply chains is also propelling the adoption of spot trading platforms. With lithium carbonate sourced from various regions and processed through multiple intermediaries, stakeholders require agile and secure platforms to manage transactions, verify provenance, and ensure regulatory compliance. The integration of decentralized and hybrid trading models is addressing these needs by offering enhanced transparency, traceability, and security. This, in turn, is driving greater confidence among buyers and sellers, stimulating market participation, and supporting the overall growth of the lithium carbonate spot trading platform market.

Regionally, the Asia Pacific market dominates due to its leadership in battery manufacturing and electric vehicle production, particularly in China, Japan, and South Korea. North America and Europe are also witnessing substantial growth, propelled by investments in EV infrastructure and renewable energy projects. Latin America, as a major lithium-producing region, is increasingly leveraging spot trading platforms to connect with global buyers, while the Middle East & Africa is gradually emerging as a strategic market for future expansion. The regional outlook underscores the global interdependence of lithium supply chains and the pivotal role of digital trading platforms in facilitating cross-border transactions and fostering market integration.

Platform Type Analysis

The lithium carbonate spot trading platform market is segmented by platform type into centralized platforms, decentralized platforms, and hybrid platforms. Centralized platforms currently hold the largest market share, attributed to their established infrastructure, regulatory oversight, and robust security protocols. These platforms act as trusted intermediaries, providing

Cobalt traded flat at 33,335 USD/T on July 10, 2025. Over the past month, Cobalt's price has remained flat, but it is still 22.78% higher than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Cobalt - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.

Nickel fell to 15,143.75 USD/T on July 11, 2025, down 0.92% from the previous day. Over the past month, Nickel's price has risen 0.26%, but it is still 10.16% lower than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Nickel - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.

The Strategic Mineral Materials industry is experiencing robust growth, projected to maintain a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 5% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key drivers. The increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) significantly boosts the need for battery minerals like cobalt, lithium (though not explicitly listed, it's a key strategic mineral and can be reasonably inferred), and manganese. Simultaneously, the burgeoning renewable energy sector, particularly solar and wind power, fuels demand for rare earth elements and other specialized minerals used in energy generation and storage technologies. Furthermore, advancements in electronics and semiconductor manufacturing continue to drive demand for minerals like gallium, germanium, and indium, essential components in high-tech devices and integrated circuits. The construction and infrastructure sectors, particularly in rapidly developing economies, represent another significant driver, increasing the demand for materials like manganese and barite. However, several restraints impact industry growth. Supply chain vulnerabilities, geopolitical instability affecting mineral-rich regions, and fluctuating commodity prices pose significant challenges. Furthermore, environmental concerns related to mining activities and the ethical sourcing of minerals are leading to increased scrutiny and regulatory pressures. Despite these challenges, the long-term outlook remains positive, driven by technological advancements requiring specialized minerals and the ongoing global shift towards electrification and sustainable energy solutions. The market segmentation highlights the diverse applications of these materials, underscoring their critical role across numerous industries. The listed key players indicate a competitive landscape with established multinational corporations alongside smaller specialized companies. Regional distribution shows a strong focus in Asia-Pacific, driven by large manufacturing hubs and significant energy infrastructure development, while North America and Europe maintain considerable market share due to established technologies and consumer demand. Key drivers for this market are: , Growing Demand from Various End-user Industries; Other Drivers. Potential restraints include: , Growing Demand from Various End-user Industries; Other Drivers. Notable trends are: Steel Application to Dominate the Niobium Segment.

Platinum rose to 1,454.50 USD/t.oz on July 11, 2025, up 3.93% from the previous day. Over the past month, Platinum's price has risen 13.41%, and is up 45.42% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Platinum - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.

When comparing global mineral commodity prices in the first half of 2023 (H1 2023) versus H1 2019, the overall prices of many prominent mineral commodities increased significantly. Most significantly during that timeframe, the price of lithium carbonate increased by more than *** percent. The prices for cobalt and palladium, however, only increased by ***** percent over that timeframe.

Exploration activity has remained volatile over the past few years because of fluctuating commodity prices and inflationary pressures. Supply chain disruptions driven by the pandemic elevated commodity prices, spurring drilling activity to its peak of over 12.5 million metres drilled in 2021-22. However, as commodity prices softened and inflationary pressures mounted, the appetite for exploration activity has dampened, causing drilling activity to retreat from its peak and slump over the two years through 2023-24. Despite this, inflationary pressures, driven by labour shortages and supply constraints, have lifted input costs, offsetting exploration expenditure declines even as activity remains subdued. Established miners have focused on brownfield exploration, expanding and prolonging existing mines thanks to their lower risk and more predictable returns. Greenfield exploration is more speculative, and less than 1.0% of projects transition to mining operations. This higher risk, coupled with volatile commodity prices and heightened interest rates, has undermined investor enthusiasm for greenfield ventures. Still, rising global demand for base metals and critical minerals, along with government-led initiatives, has sustained greenfield exploration. These programs, like Exploring for the Future and the Junior Minerals Exploration Incentive, have boosted investor and explorer interest through essential data and funding, helping companies reduce uncertainty and explore underexplored territories. Mineral exploration expenditure is expected to climb at an annualised 3.5% over the five years through 2024-25, to $4.2 billion. This includes an expected 4.8% slump in 2024-25 because of softening exploration activity driven by low commodity prices. Net zero targets and supportive government policies will spur exploration for base metals and critical minerals, as these commodities are crucial inputs for energy transition. While commodity prices are forecast to remain low and restrain exploration in the short term, longer-term state and federal government strategies like Australia's Critical Minerals Strategy will support greenfield exploration. Brownfield exploration is set to underpin exploration expenditures as miners aim to optimise production scales as a result of mounting global competition, but high interest rates and low commodity prices could limit spending in the near term. Over the medium term, as inflation moderates, easing monetary policies worldwide should elevate exploration budgets. Global competition will intensify, with cost pressures and the allure of lower-cost international deposits prompting domestic giants to scout for opportunities abroad, weighing on domestic exploration expenditures. Mineral exploration expenditure is forecast to expand at an annualised 1.1% through 2029-30 to $4.4 billion