China's Spodumene Ore Imports Surged Significantly in December, with Canada and Africa Standing Out in Supply

Wedoany.com Report on Feb 2nd, According to customs data, China's spodumene ore imports increased month-on-month in December, reaching 788.5 thousand tonnes in physical weight, equivalent to approximately 78.5 thousand tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE). This data was calculated by SMM based on average grade and moisture content.

By country, imports from Canada increased to 33.5 thousand tonnes. Supply from Zimbabwe reached 132.2 thousand tonnes, up 19.85% month-on-month. Arrivals from Mali were 77 thousand tonnes, a month-on-month increase of 5.24%. Imports of spodumene concentrate from Australia were 309.5 thousand tonnes, down 27.18% month-on-month, primarily affected by the high base from the previous period. Imports from Nigeria were adjusted to 80 thousand tonnes, a decrease of 13.12% month-on-month.

In December, China imported lithium ore from Mongolia for the first time, with two batches totaling 22.5 thousand tonnes, both priced at USD 169.52 per tonne. SMM analysis indicates that spodumene concentrate imports for the month were approximately 628 thousand tonnes, accounting for 80% of total ore imports, down from 93% in November.

Full-year data shows that China's total lithium ore imports in 2025 amounted to 77,506 thousand tonnes. Spodumene concentrate imports increased by approximately 9% year-on-year, driven by the expansion of export share from Africa and increased production from Australian mines.