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 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.

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.

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 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.

In July 2022, the lithium carbonate price per ton amounted to $10,401, declining by -6.2% 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 one metric ton of battery-grade lithium carbonate stood at more than 43,700 U.S. dollars as of December 31, 2021, representing an increase of nearly 500 percent compared to prices recorded in January of that year.

The total cost of producing battery grade lithium carbonate by 2025 is expected to amount to approximately 4,165 and 5,500 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.

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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 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.
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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 pr

In May 2023, the price of Lithium Carbonate was $13,739 per ton (CIF, Germany), experiencing a decrease of -30.6% compared to the previous month.

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).

By 2025, producing battery grade lithium hydroxide globally from brine harvesting will involve, in general, more costs than from spodumene. This is because in the first process it is necessary to produce lithium carbonate as an intermediate product, to later generate lithium hydroxide. It is expected that the difference in production costs between these two processes will amount to almost 1,000 U.S. dollars per ton of lithium carbonate equivalent.

In September 2022, the lithium carbonate price per ton stood at $16.3K (CIF, US), surging by 25% against the previous month.

The average lithium oxide import price stood at $11,336 per ton in February 2025, picking up by 3.2% against the previous month.

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.

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.

In 2024, after three years of growth, there was significant decline in the Nigerien lithium carbonate market, when its value decreased by -5.2% to $58K. Overall, consumption saw a abrupt shrinkage. Lithium carbonate consumption peaked at $221K in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Find out the United Kingdom's import price for lithium carbonate in November 2022 and how it compares to previous months. Learn about the major supplying countries and their prices.

The lithium fluoride prices in the United States for Q3 2024 reached 44,000 USD/MT in September. The market saw low demand, surplus stock, and slow purchasing that resulted in falling prices. Support for upstream costs was limited, whereas rising imports intensified the strain. The quarter's results indicated negative conditions and ongoing downward trends, highlighting difficult economic situations.

The Middle East and Africa (MEA) lithium market, while currently smaller than other regions, is poised for significant growth driven by the burgeoning renewable energy sector and increasing electric vehicle (EV) adoption. The region's abundant solar and wind resources are fueling a rapid expansion of energy storage solutions, creating substantial demand for lithium-ion batteries. Governments across MEA are actively investing in infrastructure development and promoting sustainable energy initiatives, further accelerating lithium demand. This positive regulatory environment, coupled with strategic investments in lithium mining and processing, is expected to propel the market's expansion in the coming years. While challenges remain, such as limited established lithium production capacity within the region and reliance on imports, strategic partnerships and technological advancements are mitigating these constraints. The projected 12.93% CAGR suggests a substantial increase in market value, potentially reaching several billion dollars by 2033. Significant growth is anticipated in applications such as battery storage for renewable energy projects, and the automotive sector, as more EVs enter the market. The diverse segments—including battery, grease, and glass/ceramic applications—will also contribute to this growth, with the battery segment likely to remain the dominant driver. The MEA lithium market's segmentation offers diversified growth opportunities. The battery segment is expected to lead, followed by other applications that could include specialized industrial lubricants or niche ceramic applications within the region. Key players are likely to focus on establishing local production facilities to reduce reliance on imports and capitalize on the increasing demand. Furthermore, partnerships with regional governments and investment in research and development could accelerate the pace of market growth. While the current market size for MEA is not explicitly stated, a logical estimation based on global market trends and the provided CAGR suggests a substantial but presently smaller market compared to North America or Asia-Pacific. However, its growth trajectory strongly suggests a significant future contribution to the global lithium market. Recent developments include: April 2022: SQM SA planned to invest USD 900 million in 2022 to increase lithium carbonate and hydroxide production capacity. The company planned to increase lithium carbonate production capacity to 180,000 metric tons annually. Furthermore, the capacity is likely to reach 210,000 tons by early 2023.. Key drivers for this market are: Accelerating Demand for Electric Vehicles, Growing Usage and Demand from the Portable Consumer Electronics; Other Drivers. Potential restraints include: Accelerating Demand for Electric Vehicles, Growing Usage and Demand from the Portable Consumer Electronics; Other Drivers. Notable trends are: Growing Demand from Battery Applications.