Lithium traded flat at 60,200 CNY/T on June 6, 2025. Over the past month, Lithium's price has fallen 9.68%, and is down 40.69% compared to the same time last year, 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 June of 2025.

In 2022, the average price of battery-grade lithium carbonate stood at 71,000 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 14,000 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 has 3 protons in its nucleus and three electrons around it. Because it is highly reactive, 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 87 percent share of global lithium consumption in 2024. Lithium demand forecasts Looking to the future, lithium demand is forecast to stand at 1.4 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.

In Q2 2024, lithium hydroxide prices in the United States peaked at 14720 USD/MT in June. Several factors influenced these changes, including higher ocean freight demand, European restocking trends, and greater import activity within North America. These factors put pressure on the container market, reducing spot market liquidity and driving up shipping costs.

In the first quarter of 2025, the U.S. lithium carbonate market experienced fluctuating dynamics shaped by ongoing global oversupply, restrained demand, and geopolitical uncertainty. Prices exhibited a gradual decline through January and February before stabilizing in March. Production and supply dynamics were shaped by a projected 16% increase in global capacity, driven by expansions in Chile, Australia, and Africa. Chile alone is expected to reach 305,000 tons of lithium output in 2025.

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 statistic depicts the annual average price for 99 percent LCE lithium chemicals worldwide from 2008 to 2014. In 2010, the average annual price for 99% LCE lithium chemicals was 5.16 U.S. dollars per kilogram. Increase in battery demand will be a strong driver of lithium consumption in the near future but producers are currently limited in their ability to match demands.

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

Explore the current trends and dynamics in the global lithium market, driven by rising demand from the electric vehicle sector and influenced by supply chain constraints, regulatory changes, and technological advancements. Discover how these factors impact lithium prices and the ongoing efforts to find sustainable extraction and recycling solutions.

Für das Jahr 2024 wurde der Durchschnittspreis für Lithiumcarbonat in Batteriequalität auf 14.000 US-Dollar pro Tonne geschätzt. Lithium ist ein hochreaktives, weiches und silbrig-weißes Alkalimetall. Da es sehr reaktionsfreudig ist, kommt es in der Natur nicht in reiner Form vor. Lithium ist das Element mit der geringsten Dichte unter den festen Elementen und das leichteste aller Metalle. Lithium und Batterien Eine der bekanntesten Endanwendungen von Lithium ist die Verwendung in Lithium-Ionen-Batterien. Lithium-Ionen-Batterien sind wiederaufladbar und werden hauptsächlich in tragbaren elektronischen Geräten und Elektrofahrzeugen verwendet. In Lithium-Ionen-Batterien wandern die Lithium-Ionen während des Gebrauchs von der negativen zur positiven Elektrode, und beim Aufladen kehrt sich der Prozess um. Diese Batterien sind hochentzündlich, aber auch wartungsarm. Sie haben eine hohe Energiedichte und eine geringe Selbstentladung. Zu den Nachteilen gehört, dass sie in der Herstellung teuer sind und dass sie Schutzschaltungen benötigen, um die Spannung sicher zu halten. Prognosen zur Lithiumnachfrage Vor allem auf Grund der Nachfrage nach Lithium-Ionen-Batterien für Elektrofahrzeuge wird ein starkes Wachstum der Nachfrage nach Lithium prognostiziert, allein für Elektrofahrzeuge in der EU von 2 Tonnen in 2018 auf 38 Tonnen in 2030. Es wird erwartet, dass die Nachfrage in China am höchsten bleiben wird, auf das dauerhaft die Hälfte der weltweiten Nachfrage nach Lithium-Ionen-Batterien entfallen wird.

In Q1 2025, the lithium metal market in North America, particularly in the USA, demonstrated a complex landscape characterized by a quarter-ending price of USD 163,210/MT for lithium metal (99.9%) FOB Boston. This represents an increase compared to the stability observed in Q4 2024, which had experienced a more consistent upward trend. However, Q1 showed slight declines amid continued market adjustments. January saw a significant 13% rise in prices fuelled by early signs of stabilization within the lithium salts market and improving demand from the electric vehicle (EV) sector.

In 2025, the price of 99% lithium carbonate is projected to be around 7.60 U.S. dollars per kilogram.

Growing global lithium demand

There 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 4,450 metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent for non-rechargeable batteries. The 2018 annual average price of battery-grade lithium carbonate was 17,000 U.S. dollars per metric ton, increased from the 15,000 U.S. dollars in the previous year.

Lithium demand by application Lithium has many end use applications aside from batteries. For example, demand for lithium in ceramics is anticipated to reach 51,788 metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent in 2025. Another example is that the demand for lithium in polymers is expected to grow to 12,624 metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent by 2025, from the 2018 demand which was 9,873 metric tons.

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

Explore the dynamic fluctuations in lithium metal prices driven by rising demand for electric vehicles, technological advancements, geopolitical influences, and global supply chain factors. Understand key trends affecting this vital market through a detailed analysis of lithium price charts.

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

The Lithium Battery Grade Lithium Carbonate Market size was valued at USD 5.98 USD Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 13.90 USD Billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 12.8 % during the forecast period. Lithium Battery Grade Lithium Carbonate is a highly pure lithium material that is required for lithium-ion batteries. This is subdivided into industrial and high-purity grades; the latter is more desirable for battery use due to higher purity and therefore lower inter solutes. It is characterized by good electrochemical activity, chemical stability, and maximum energy density, making it suitable for the creation of rechargeable batteries. Some of the areas where it is mainly used are in electric vehicles, portable electronics, and energy storage systems. The quality of lithium carbonate and the lithium material on which it is based directly affects the performance, including effectiveness and longevity, of batteries and thus the lithium-ion batteries in such applications. Key drivers for this market are: Increasing on-road vehicle fleet to Fuel Demand for tinting films. Potential restraints include: Fluctuations in Prices of Crude Oil May Hamper Growth.

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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 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.
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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)

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By Application Insights

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

The market is primarily driven by the increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries, particularly in sectors such as electric vehicles (EVs), consumer electronics, and power grid storage. Lithium-ion batteries, known for their high-energy density, low weight, and size, are favored for their ability to power various applications. The EV industry's growing requirement for these batteries, coupled with declining battery technology prices and government regulations and subsidies, is expected to fuel market growth. Lithium-ion batteries are also gaining popularity in other sectors, including electric buses, portable power, and electric motorcycles. The market's evolution is further shaped by advancements in battery technology, such as solid-state batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and lithium-air ba

Access global Lithium Carbonate prices in locations such as Global, Europe. Includes monthly historical series and forecasts. Delivered via online charts, Excel, Power BI, and API. Free preview.

During the first quarter of 2025, the U.S. lithium hydroxide market continued to navigate a complex landscape shaped by persistent global oversupply, fluctuating EV demand, and shifting trade dynamics. Prices showed a consistent downward trend throughout the quarter, largely influenced by cheaper imports, high inventory levels, and subdued domestic demand. In January, market conditions were strained by oversupply and softened downstream demand due to seasonal restocking and holiday-related slowdowns.

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.

Explore the dynamics of lithium pricing in China, a key player in the global EV market, as it faces supply chain disruptions, government involvement, and geopolitical tensions while striving to stabilize prices amid increasing demand and technological advancements.