Lithium rose to 74,350 CNY/T on October 22, 2025, up 0.34% from the previous day. Over the past month, Lithium's price has risen 0.68%, and is up 3.99% 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.

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.

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 2025, the global demand for lithium is expected to surpass *** million metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent, a growth of ** percent in comparison to 2023. Increases in battery demand for electric vehicles will be a strong driver of lithium consumption in the next decade.

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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

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.

The world's mine production of lithium reached a new high of 240,000 metric tons in 2024. This represented a significant increase from 2010, when global lithium production stood at about 28,100 metric tons. Lithium: a useful and elusive element The chemical element lithium has many uses but is most notably used in batteries, mental health treatment, and in pyrotechnics. This silvery-white alkali metal was first isolated in 1855 by Augustus Mattiessen and Robert Bunsen. Lithium is widely present worldwide, but due to its high reactivity it does not naturally occur in its elemental form. Chile and Australia have the largest lithium reserves in the world. Lithium producers There are several key players involved in the lucrative global lithium mining business. Based on market capitalization, Albemarle was the leading lithium producing company in 2024. Looking to the future, lithium producers have a strong outlook, as the total worldwide lithium demand is expected to increase significantly in the coming years.

In 2024, the global lithium oxide market decreased by -32% to $4.1B for the first time since 2020, thus ending a three-year rising trend. In general, consumption, however, recorded a measured increase. Over the period under review, the global market attained the peak level at $6B in 2023, and then plummeted in the following year.

Why did the Lithium Hydroxide Price Change in July 2025? The Lithium Hydroxide Spot Price Index in the U.S. dropped by 3.2% in Q2 2025, with prices declining to USD 8,600/MT by the end of June.

This statistic shows the forecasted price of spodumene from 2016 to 2020. It is forecasted that in 2020, spodumene will cost *** U.S. dollars per metric ton, an increase from the forecasted price in 2016 of *** U.S. dollars per metric ton. Spodumene is a mineral from which lithium can be produced.

By 2030, it is anticipated that the global demand for lithium will be more than quadruple, rising from 720,000 metric tons in 2022 to an estimated 3.1 million metric tons. Batteries constituted the predominant end-use of lithium globally.

In 2023, approx. 819 tons of lithium carbonates were imported into Australia; surging by 20% on the year before.

Cobalt traded flat at 42,725 USD/T on October 16, 2025. Over the past month, Cobalt's price has risen 28.17%, and is up 75.82% compared to the same time last year, 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 October of 2025.

In 2024, Australia was the leading supplier of lithium as raw material in the world, reaching roughly 90 kilotons. By 2030, it is forecast that the amount of lithium supplied by Australia will exceed 120 kilotons, and by 2040, it will decrease to about 100 kilotons. Shifting dynamics in the battery materials market While Australia dominated the raw lithium supply, China was the leader in other crucial battery materials. As of 2024, China was the largest supplier of refined cobalt worldwide, accounting for more than 196 kilotons. With over 1,850 kilotons supplied in 2024, China also dominated the market for refined battery-grade graphite. This figure is expected to rise to nearly 6,892 kilotons by 2040, further solidifying China's role in the battery materials supply chain. Growing demand for clean energy applications The increasing demand for lithium and other battery materials is primarily driven by the clean energy sector, particularly electric vehicles. In 2024, the global demand for lithium in clean energy applications reached 128 kilotons, with approximately 109 kilotons required for electric vehicle production. Similarly, the demand for graphite in clean energy applications amounted to 1.5 million metric tons, with electric vehicles accounting for 1.26 million metric tons.

In 2023, China's mine production of lithium amounted to an estimated 41,000 metric tons. That was the largest production volume of lithium from China during the period considered. China was the world's third-largest lithium producing nation in 2024 based on production volume.

Platinum rose to 1,552.80 USD/t.oz on October 22, 2025, up 3.86% from the previous day. Over the past month, Platinum's price has risen 3.23%, and is up 51.97% 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 October of 2025.

In 2024, overseas shipments of lithium oxide and hydroxide, vanadium oxides and hydroxides, nickel oxides and hydroxides, germanium oxides and zirconium dioxide decreased by X% to X tons, falling for the fourth year in a row after three years of growth. Overall, exports saw a perceptible setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of X%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons. From 2021 to 2024, the growth of the exports of remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In 2024, the total estimated reserves of lithium worldwide amounted to 30 million metric tons. This was the highest figure on record, up from some 13 million metric tons in 2010. The country with the largest reserves of lithium globally is Chile.

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.

In 2023, countries classified as politically fairly stable accounted for the largest share of global lithium oxide production. That year, 324,541 metric tons of lithium was produced by fairly stable countries. In comparison, 174,483 metric tons of lithium was produced in politically unstable countries.