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The Lithium Supplement 2010: China review

July 27, 2010 - 00:00 GMT

KEYWORDS: Lithium supplement , Li , brine , China , battery

Robert Baylis of Roskill Information Services on how brine and mineral convertor expansions in China are preparing for an increase in battery grade lithium demand

This is because unravelling the domestic supply situation is perhaps as challenging as quantifying future lithium demand from automotive batteries.

Chinese imports of mainly technical grade lithium carbonate in H1 2010 have already exceeded the 2,390 tonnes imported for the whole of 2009 (see Figure 1). Average values of imports have fallen to $4.60/kg from $5.30/kg in 2009 suggesting the price reductions enacted by South American producers in late 2009 are starting to filter through to the market (IM November 2009: Price cuts give lithium rude awakening).

China hopes to significantly reduce its vehicle emissions and resulting smog through the advent of electric vehicles. The lithium industry is preparing for this.SQM, Chemetall and FMC have regained some market share in China in H1 of 2010. Despite the fall in import prices, domestic prices for technical grade lithium carbonate have remained strong, at around $5.50/kg....

All material subject to strictly enforced copyright laws. © Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC.

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