DemandAlthough Europe and North America are starting to do some catching up, the big buyer for spodumene, carbonate is mainly China. Then on the output side, they are way ahead of everyone in NEV sales as well.
Here is some recent news of what is going on there :
SHANGHAI, Sep 21 (SMM) - According to the General Administration of Customs, China lithium carbonate imports were 11,296 mt in August, up 21% MoM and 36% YoY mainly due to the recovery of import channels as well as steadily rising domestic demand. In terms of country of origin, imports from Chile added 23% MoM, but those from Argentina fell 8% MoM. The average import price stood at $71,362/mt in August 2022, an increase of 14% month-on-month and 938% year-on-year! Among them, the average price of imported lithium carbonate from Chile was $76,412/mt, a slight increase of 13% from July. In terms of the destinations, 48% of China’s total imports of lithium carbonate went to Shanghai, 24% Fujian, 19% Guangdong and 3% Zhejiang. The imports totalled 91,991 mt from January to August 2022, a year-on-year increase of 65%.
Also China are maintaining their tax cut incentives to NEV buyers at least to the end of 2023.