MERCOSUR: Lithium Carbonate Market 2024

Lithium Carbonate Market Size in MERCOSUR

The MERCOSUR lithium carbonate market contracted dramatically to $X in 2023, falling by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption recorded a mild curtailment. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2023, the growth of the market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Lithium Carbonate Production in MERCOSUR

In value terms, lithium carbonate production expanded markedly to $X in 2023 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, showed buoyant growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when the production volume increased by X%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2023, production remained at a lower figure.

Lithium Carbonate Exports

Exports in MERCOSUR

After four years of growth, overseas shipments of lithium carbonates decreased by X% to X tons in 2023. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a buoyant increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2022 when exports increased by X% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons, and then reduced sharply in the following year.

In value terms, lithium carbonate exports declined markedly to $X in 2023. In general, exports, however, posted significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 with an increase of X% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X, and then shrank remarkably in the following year.

Exports by Country

Chile represented the largest exporter of lithium carbonates in MERCOSUR, with the volume of exports amounting to X tons, which was approx. X% of total exports in 2023. It was distantly followed by Argentina (X tons), generating a X% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2023, average annual rates of growth with regard to lithium carbonate exports from Chile stood at X%. At the same time, Argentina (X%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Argentina emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in MERCOSUR, with a CAGR of X% from 2012-2023. Argentina (X p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Chile saw its share reduced by X% from 2012 to 2023, respectively.

In value terms, Chile ($X) remains the largest lithium carbonate supplier in MERCOSUR, comprising X% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Argentina ($X), with a X% share of total exports.

In Chile, lithium carbonate exports expanded at an average annual rate of X% over the period from 2012-2023.

Export Prices by Country

In 2023, the export price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, jumping by X% against the previous year. In general, the export price recorded buoyant growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2022 when the export price increased by X% against the previous year. The level of export peaked in 2023 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2023, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Chile ($X per ton), while Argentina amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Chile (X%).

Lithium Carbonate Imports

Imports in MERCOSUR

In 2023, after four years of growth, there was significant decline in overseas purchases of lithium carbonates, when their volume decreased by X% to X tons. In general, imports recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when imports increased by X% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2022, and then shrank sharply in the following year.

In value terms, lithium carbonate imports soared to $X in 2023. Over the period under review, imports, however, enjoyed a strong expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of X% against the previous year. The level of import peaked in 2023 and is likely to see steady growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

Argentina was the largest importing country with an import of about X tons, which recorded X% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Chile (X tons) and Colombia (X tons), together committing a X% share of total imports. Brazil (X tons) took a little share of total imports.

Imports into Argentina decreased at an average annual rate of X% from 2012 to 2023. At the same time, Chile (X%) and Brazil (X%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Chile emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in MERCOSUR, with a CAGR of X% from 2012-2023. Colombia experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. Chile (X p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while Argentina saw its share reduced by X% from 2012 to 2023, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Argentina ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported lithium carbonates in MERCOSUR, comprising X% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Colombia ($X), with a X% share of total imports. It was followed by Brazil, with a X% share.

In Argentina, lithium carbonate imports increased at an average annual rate of X% over the period from 2012-2023. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Colombia (X% per year) and Brazil (X% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2023, the import price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, jumping by X% against the previous year. In general, the import price showed a strong increase. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2023, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Brazil ($X per ton), while Chile ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Argentina (X%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform