Lithium rose to 75,400 CNY/T on October 24, 2025, up 0.80% from the previous day. Over the past month, Lithium's price has risen 2.24%, and is up 5.45% 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 October 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.

Lithium's market value is forecast to increase to nearly **** billion U.S. dollars by 2030, due to its increasingly significant importance for various applications such as lithium-ion batteries. In 2023, the global market value of lithium amounted to *** billion U.S. dollars.

Why did the Lithium Metal Price Change in July 2025? The Lithium Metal Price Index in the U.S. declined by 6.8% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, reflecting a volatile and bifurcated market. While April and May were dominated by bearish sentiment tied to global oversupply and soft EV demand

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).

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Lithium Market Size 2023-2027

The lithium market size is valued to increase by 1066.47 thousand t, at a CAGR of 25% from 2022 to 2027. Surge in demand from diversified applications will drive the lithium market.

Major Market Trends & Insights

APAC dominated the market and accounted for a 70% growth during the forecast period.
By Application - Batteries segment was valued at USD 148.29 thousand t in 2021
By Product - Carbonate segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2021

Market Size & Forecast

Market Opportunities: USD 513.91 thousand t
Market Future Opportunities: USD 1066.47 thousand t
CAGR from 2022 to 2027: 25%

Market Summary

Lithium, a lightweight metal with exceptional electrochemical properties, occupies a pivotal position in the global energy transition. The market's expansion is underpinned by its increasing demand in various sectors, including batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage systems. According to the latest market intelligence, the market was valued at approximately USD 16.7 billion in 2020, signaling a significant growth trajectory. Key drivers fueling this trend include advancements in battery technology, stringent environmental regulations, and the increasing adoption of EVs. Moreover, the expanding renewable energy sector, particularly wind and solar, is expected to contribute substantially to the market's growth.
However, challenges remain, such as the rise in availability of substitute products, including nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) and lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) batteries, and the need for sustainable and ethical sourcing practices. To meet the escalating demand, major players are investing in capacity expansions. For instance, Albemarle Corporation, a leading lithium producer, announced plans to double its production capacity by 2025. Similarly, Ganfeng Lithium, the world's largest lithium producer, aims to boost its output by 50% by 2023. These efforts will not only cater to the growing demand but also ensure a stable supply chain for the industry. In conclusion, the market's evolution is shaped by its diverse applications, growing demand, and investments in capacity expansions.
Despite challenges, the market is poised for continued growth, driven by the global shift towards sustainable energy sources and the increasing adoption of electric vehicles.

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

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How is the Lithium Market 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 experiencing continuous evolution, with the batteries segment leading the way due to surging demand from electric vehicles (EVs), consumer electronics, and grid-scale energy storage applications. Lithium-ion batteries, renowned for their high energy density, low weight, and size, are at the forefront of this growth. Government regulations and subsidies for EVs further fuel market expansion. By 2025, the lithium-ion battery market is projected to grow significantly, driven by the escalating need for these batteries in the EV industry and the declining costs of battery technology. Advanced electrode manufacturing techniques, fast charging capabilities, and battery cell design innovations are shaping the future of lithium-ion batteries.

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The Batteries segment was valued at USD 148.29 thousand t in 2017 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Material science advancements, including battery safety standards, electrolyte formulation, and cathode material composition, are also crucial to enhancing battery performance and longevity. For instance, cycle life testing, impedance spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction analysis are essential for understanding battery degradation mechanisms and improving battery production processes. With a focus on energy storage systems integration, battery pack assembly, and battery management systems, the

The average lithium carbonate import price stood at $9,048 per ton in May 2025, declining by -3.1% against the previous month.

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 *** metric ton of battery-grade lithium carbonate stood at more than ****** U.S. dollars as of December 31, 2021, representing an increase of nearly *** percent compared to prices recorded in January of that year.

The Lithium Market Report is Segmented by Compound (Carbonate, Chloride, and More), Application (Battery, Lubricants and Grease, Air Treatment, Pharmaceuticals, and More), End-User Industry (Industrial, Consumer Electronics, Energy Storage, Medical, Automotive, and More), and Geography (Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Volume (Tons).

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).

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.

The lithium market size is projected to grow from USD 22.48 billion in 2024 to USD 155.7 billion by 2035, representing a CAGR of 19.23%, during the forecast period till 2035

As of April 24, 2025, Rio Tinto was the largest lithium company in the world based on market capitalization. At that time, Rio Tinto's market capitalization amounted to nearly 100 billion U.S. dollars. Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile (SQM) had the second-largest market capitalization at that time, at 10.93 billion U.S. dollars.

In 2023, the amount of lithium carbonates imported into India contracted rapidly to 1.7K tons, shrinking by -36.5% compared with the year before.

The global salt lake brine lithium market, currently valued at $3,869 million in 2025, is projected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -2.4% from 2025 to 2033. This negative CAGR suggests a period of market contraction, potentially driven by factors such as fluctuating lithium prices, increased competition from other lithium sources (e.g., hard rock mining), and geopolitical instability impacting supply chains. However, robust demand from the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) battery sector and the increasing adoption of lithium-ion batteries in various applications continue to exert upward pressure on market growth. The negative CAGR may indicate a temporary correction within a larger growth trajectory, particularly given the long-term projections for increased EV adoption and energy storage solutions globally. The market is segmented by application (batteries, glass and ceramics, medical, lubricants, metallurgy, and others) and type (industrial grade and battery grade), offering varied growth potential across these segments. Battery grade lithium, naturally, holds the largest share owing to its importance in the EV sector, which is the main growth driver. Regional market dynamics vary significantly, with North America and Asia Pacific expected to be major players due to established lithium extraction operations and substantial demand from the automotive and technology sectors. Despite the negative CAGR, specific market segments may still show positive growth. For instance, the medical and specialized industrial applications of lithium could experience modest expansion, even as the overall market adjusts. The ongoing research and development in lithium extraction technologies and the exploration of new salt lake brine resources could also contribute to stabilizing the market in the long term. The competitive landscape is characterized by both established players and emerging companies across regions such as North America, South America, Europe and Asia Pacific, indicating a dynamic and evolving market structure. The success of individual companies hinges on their ability to navigate fluctuating raw material prices, optimize extraction processes, and secure stable supply chains, particularly given the increasing regulatory scrutiny surrounding resource extraction. Strategic partnerships and investments in sustainable extraction practices will be crucial for long-term market success.

The lithium-ion battery pack price dropped to *** U.S. dollars per kilowatt-hour in 2024, down from over *** dollars per kilowatt-hour a year earlier. Lithium-ion batteries are one of the most efficient energy storage devices worldwide. Over recent years, high-scale production and capital investment into the battery production process have made lithium-ion battery packs cheaper and more efficient. This demonstrates a staggering demand for energy storage worldwide and the increasingly significant role of electric vehicles. Electric vehicle sales Individuals, organizations, and governments aim to reduce their environmental footprint as the awareness about the consequences of climate change becomes more widespread. To contribute to a greener society, they promote the growth of the electric vehicle market to make transportation more sustainable. When it comes to the sales volume of electric vehicles, the trend is staggeringly positive. For instance, global plug-in electric light vehicle (PEV) sales have progressively increased since 2015, surpassing **** million units sold in 2023. Environmental impact of batteries Incorrect disposal of Li-ion batteries can have a devastating impact on the environment, sparking the need for recycling. The global market for lithium-ion battery recycling is expected to reach **** billion U.S. dollars by 2030. This figure compares to around *** billion U.S. dollars in 2023.

The global lithium market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 22.1% from 2023 to 2033, reaching a market size of USD 159.45 billion by 2033. Lithium is an alkali metal with the atomic number 3, and is chemically denoted by the symbol Li, it is a soft, silvery-white metal that is readily soluble in most organic solvents and has a very low density. It is chiefly applied in the production of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, indispensable for a range of devices starting from mobile phones to electric cars. There are several lithium salts, lithium carbonate is one example lithium hydroxide is another and all serve various functions in industry. Lithium is the element itself, and it also forms compounds with other elements, which in a way allows for its usefulness. Some of the features include Li offers high energy density, long cycle life and efficiency in energy storage. Recently the market has witnessed increased demand for lithium, this mainly because of the increasing uptake of electric cars and thus evolutions towards green energy production and storage that require lithium as a key element. Recent developments include: January 2023 – Ganfeng Lithium Co., Ltd. announced an investment of USD 2.14 billion in two new battery factories to increase its production capacities by 34 GWh. This facility will add to manufacturing and is expected to grow to around 100 GWh annually., December 2022 – Sigma Lithium announced that the company has secured a fund of USD 100 million from Synergy Capital to build the first phase of a USD 155 million expansion at its Grota do Cirilo lithium project in Minas Gerais, Brazil. This mine can generate up to 270,000 tonnes per year of high-purity battery-grade lithium concentrate, equal to about 36,700 tonnes of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE)., September 2022 – SQM S.A. announced a sustainable innovation program named the 'Salar Futuro Project,' which develops a new form of lithium production with zero freshwater usage. This project's initial investment of USD 1,500 million aims to achieve a zero water footprint by achieving carbon neutrality., June 2022 – Albemarle Corporation inaugurated a third chemical conversion plant La Negra III/IV, in Antofagasta. This facility is one of the modern conversion plants in Latin America. This facility will double the lithium production, reduce water consumption by 30% per metric ton, and commit to a sustainable production line., June 2021 - Ganfeng Lithium announced an increase in its Li2CO3 production by 600,000 tons an equivalent year as demand for the commodity used in electric-vehicle batteries increases. The company will sell around USD 630 million in new shares to boost capacity and fund potential investments.. Key drivers for this market are: Increasing Adoption of Electric Vehicles Will Aid Market Growth . Potential restraints include: Environmental Concerns and Recycling May Hinder Market Growth. Notable trends are: Companies Creating Environmentally Sustainable Solutions for LIBs and EVs will Fuel the Product Demand.

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).

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

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.