São Paulo, May 11 (Argus) - Chile's lithium exports remained at record levels in April amid global spodumene supply tightness following Zimbabwe's export ban.
Chile's lithium exports-including battery and technical-grade carbonates and hydroxides, as well as chlorides-reached a historic high of 30,578 metric tons in April, slightly surpassing the previous month's record of 30,474 tons. Exports rose 25% year-on-year and 16% compared to February, removing approximately 15,000 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) from the market each month.
Market sources told Argus that Zimbabwean exports are nearing recovery as some producers have secured export quotas, but spodumene supply disruptions are expected to persist through May to July.
China has been most affected by the spodumene supply constraints, as several refineries rely on Zimbabwean raw materials to produce lithium salts. In April, China imported the highest volume of Chilean lithium products since January 2024, reaching 22,964 tons-an increase of 48% year-on-year and 21% from March.
Indonesia purchased 1,232 tons of battery-grade lithium carbonate, its largest lithium purchase to date, likely for its pilot plant operated by PT LBM Energi Baru Indonesia, a joint venture between Lopar and domestic investor INA. The joint venture typically sources raw materials from China, but with Zimbabwe's export ban tightening spodumene supplies and curbing Chinese lithium output, it may now turn to Chile. This highlights Chile's flexibility in absorbing unexpected demand as other regions face supply tightness.
