US Li salts imports dropped in 2024

: Battery materials, Metals
25/02/06

The US imported 16,170 metric tonnes (t) of lithium salts in 2024, down by 11pc from the prior year, driven by inventory destocking and a slower-than-expected adoption of electric vehicles.

Price declines and limited shelf-life prompted US importers to consume lower stocks, while a shift towards lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries led to a change in preference for lithium carbonate.

Imports of lithium oxide and hydroxide fell by 25pc to 705 tonnes in 2024, while lithium carbonate imports decreased by 10pc to 15,465 tonnes, according to the US Census Bureau.

Lithium hydroxide is primarily used in the production of high-energy-density batteries, while lithium carbonate is more commonly utilized in the manufacture of LFP batteries.

Argus-assessed prices for 99.5pc grade lithium carbonate fell by 31pc over 2024, reaching $9.1-9.4/kg cif China on 31 December.

Chile and Argentina accounted for 98pc of the material, supplying 9,105t and 6,779t, respectively.

By Carol Luk

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25/03/14

Argentina’s inflation continues to ease in Feb

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EU finds no dumping on India HRC

25/03/14

EU finds no dumping on India HRC

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Korea's Samsung SDI to raise funds for battery growth

25/03/14

Korea's Samsung SDI to raise funds for battery growth

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Australia's Liontown to transition Li mine underground

25/03/14

Australia's Liontown to transition Li mine underground

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Steelmaker Gerdau to buy Kloeckner's Brazil assets

25/03/13

Steelmaker Gerdau to buy Kloeckner's Brazil assets

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