Lithium fell to 72,450 CNY/T on September 12, 2025, down 0.55% from the previous day. Over the past month, Lithium's price has fallen 10.56%, and is down 0.07% 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 September 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.

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.

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).

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.

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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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

The Lithium Market report segments the industry into Type (Metal, Compound, Alloy), Application (Battery, Grease, Air Treatment, Pharmaceuticals, Glass/Ceramic (Including Frits), Polymer, Other Applications), End-User Industry (Industrial, Consumer Electronics, Energy Storage, Medical, Automotive, Other End-User Industries), and Geography (Production and Reserve Analysis, Consumption Analysis).

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 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.

Lithium Mining Market size was valued at USD 3.94 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 5.71 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.23% from 2024 to 2031.

Lithium Mining Market Drivers

Lithium mining extracts lithium from the earth’s crust. Lithium is one of the chemical elements with several industrial applications, which is used in the production of sophisticated products for the automotive, electronics, and healthcare industries. Because it can be utilized in numerous lithium-ion batteries, medications, and grease lubricants, among other things. It can be applied to treat a variety of mental illnesses and eating disorders, including bulimia, anorexia, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. In addition, it is utilized in a wide range of microelectronic components and smart devices, including tablets, smartphones, computers, and many more.

The worldwide market for lithium is mostly driven by the rise in the usage of lithium in air treatment technologies. Applications for lithium include air regeneration, dehumidification, and chilling. A common source of air cooling in shopping centers, hospitals, and other institutional buildings is absorption chillers. One application for lithium chloride is dehumidification. Lithium chloride is used in large areas that need to run without humidity in order to absorb moisture. Lithium is becoming more and more in demand for applications involving air regeneration. Safety devices, spacecraft, submarines, miners, and so forth are equipped with systems that extract carbon dioxide from human exhaust. Carbon dioxide is effectively removed through the non-reversible reaction of anhydrous lithium hydroxide with carbon dioxide.

Almost majority of the traction batteries used in EVs and consumer gadgets today are made from lithium. Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries find extensive usage in numerous additional applications, ranging from air transportation to energy storage. There are a lot of unknowns regarding how the battery business will impact future lithium demand because battery content changes depending on its active materials mix and because new battery technologies are entering the market. For instance, compared to the currently popular mixes including a graphite anode, a lithium metal anode, which increases energy density in batteries, has roughly double the lithium needs per kilowatt-hour.

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).

Although China is the second-largest importer of lithium carbonate in the world, it dominates globally in exports for lithium oxide and lithium hydroxide.With moderate lithium deposits, the country will need to find ways to expand its resource reserves to support the rapid development of its electric car and electronics industries. It is widely viewed that China will construct lithium mining facilities in Afghanistan, but this is very unlikely in the near future due to the difficult military and political situation there.

Lithium Market Outlook

The global lithium market size was valued at approximately USD 8.3 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach around USD 26.9 billion by 2032, exhibiting a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.2% during the forecast period. This impressive growth trajectory is primarily driven by the burgeoning demand for lithium-ion batteries, pivotal in propelling the electric vehicle (EV) revolution and portable consumer electronics. The increasing commitment of governments worldwide to transition to renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions is another significant driver, further catalyzing the adoption of lithium-ion technologies across various sectors.

A critical growth factor for the lithium market is the rapid expansion of the electric vehicle (EV) sector. With automotive giants and startups alike accelerating their production of electric models, the demand for lithium, a key component in EV batteries, has surged. Policies aimed at reducing dependency on fossil fuels and incentivizing cleaner transportation options are amplifying this trend. For instance, several countries, including China, the United States, and members of the European Union, have set ambitious targets for EV adoption, fueling substantial investments in lithium extraction and battery production facilities. Additionally, advancements in battery technology that increase energy density and reduce costs are making EVs more accessible to the mass market, thereby increasing lithium demand.

The proliferation of renewable energy initiatives and the associated need for efficient energy storage solutions present another growth vector for the lithium market. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are inherently intermittent, necessitating reliable storage solutions to ensure a stable power supply. Lithium-ion batteries have emerged as the preferred choice due to their high energy density, efficiency, and declining costs. As countries globally push towards achieving sustainable energy goals, the deployment of large-scale lithium-ion battery storage systems is anticipated to expand, further bolstering the market. Additionally, advancements in grid infrastructure that integrate renewable energy sources are expected to contribute significantly to the growing demand for lithium-based solutions.

Technological innovation and increased investment in research and development are further enhancing the growth prospects of the lithium market. Research into alternative lithium extraction methods, such as direct lithium extraction (DLE) from brines, is gaining traction, promising more environmentally friendly and cost-effective solutions than traditional mining methods. Moreover, ongoing improvements in battery recycling technologies aim to recover lithium from spent batteries efficiently, reducing dependency on new lithium extraction and supporting circular economy initiatives. These technological advancements are critical for meeting future lithium demand sustainably and mitigating environmental impacts associated with lithium production.

Regionally, Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the lithium market due to its robust manufacturing base and rapidly growing EV industry. The presence of major battery manufacturers and a conducive regulatory environment further bolster this region's growth. In contrast, North America and Europe are experiencing heightened demand driven by policy incentives and technological innovation. Latin America, home to the 'Lithium Triangle'—a region abundant in lithium reserves—is emerging as a key player in the supply chain, while the Middle East & Africa are gradually increasing their market presence with investments in mining and battery manufacturing.

Type Analysis

The lithium market is segmented into various types, including lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, lithium chloride, and others, each playing a distinct role in diverse applications. Lithium carbonate is currently the most widely used type, primarily due to its application in the production of lithium-ion batteries. As the demand for electric vehicles and portable electronic devices continues to grow, the consumption of lithium carbonate is expected to see a significant rise. This compound is also used in the manufacturing of glass and ceramics, where it enhances the physical properties of the materials. Thus, the multifaceted applications of lithium carbonate make it a cornerstone of the lithium market.

Lithium hydroxide is gaining prominence due to its superior performance in high-nickel content lithium-ion batteries, which offer higher energy densities. This type is incre