Lithium carbonate prices in China fell to CNY 180,000 per tonne from the over two-year high of CNY 200,500 from May 13th as higher prices drove producers to restart mining activity. Mineral Resources will restart its Bald Hill lithium mine following an 18-month suspension, while Core Lithium restarted its Finniss project, making up for shortages elsewhere. Zimbabwe imposed export quotas for lithium concentrates and a full export ban to start next year, and stated exports would be allowed for processed lithium to stimulate the investment in local processing. On the demand front, New data in top consumer China showed that new energy vehicles output, the top source of lithium demand due to their batteries, rose by 5.5% annually to 1.32 million units, while sales rose by 9.7% to 1.34 million units. Demand also remained supported by Chinese investment in power infrastructure, recently consolidated with Beijing stating it would double national EV charging capacity to 180 gigawatts by 2027.

Lithium fell to 178,000 CNY/T on May 22, 2026, down 2.20% from the previous day. Over the past month, Lithium's price has risen 2.89%, and is up 182.32% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Historically, Lithium reached an all time high of 5750000 in December of 2022. Lithium - data, forecasts, historical chart - was last updated on May 23 of 2026.

Lithium fell to 178,000 CNY/T on May 22, 2026, down 2.20% from the previous day. Over the past month, Lithium's price has risen 2.89%, and is up 182.32% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Lithium is expected to trade at 194572.80 CNY/T by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. Looking forward, we estimate it to trade at 213427.20 in 12 months time.



Price Day Month Year Date
Gold 4,516.75 -26.20 -0.58% -3.86% 34.51% May/22
Silver 75.35 -1.295 -1.69% -0.04% 125.22% May/22
Copper 6.35 0.0880 1.41% 4.33% 31.38% May/22
Steel 3,171.00 6.00 0.19% 1.15% 2.92% May/22
Lithium 178,000.00 -4000 -2.20% 2.89% 182.32% May/22
Platinum 1,931.40 -33.40 -1.70% -5.25% 77.99% May/22
Iron Ore 109.67 -0.12 -0.11% 2.44% 9.88% May/22


Lithium
Trading Economics provides Lithium pricing based on spot prices for Lithium Carbonate, 99.5% Li2CO3 min, battery grade, traded in China. Lithium is a silver-white light metal. Lithium hydroxide is used in batteries for electrical vehicles and mobile phones. Lithium hydroxide is produced from a chemical reaction between lithium carbonate and calcium hydroxide. The biggest lithium producers are Chile, China, Australia and Argentina. The largest lithium importers are China, Japan, South Korea and the United States.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
178000.00 182000.00 5750000.00 39000.00 2017 - 2026 CNY/T Daily

News Stream
Lithium Extends Drop from 2-Year High
Lithium carbonate prices in China fell to CNY 180,000 per tonne from the over two-year high of CNY 200,500 from May 13th as higher prices drove producers to restart mining activity. Mineral Resources will restart its Bald Hill lithium mine following an 18-month suspension, while Core Lithium restarted its Finniss project, making up for shortages elsewhere. Zimbabwe imposed export quotas for lithium concentrates and a full export ban to start next year, and stated exports would be allowed for processed lithium to stimulate the investment in local processing. On the demand front, New data in top consumer China showed that new energy vehicles output, the top source of lithium demand due to their batteries, rose by 5.5% annually to 1.32 million units, while sales rose by 9.7% to 1.34 million units. Demand also remained supported by Chinese investment in power infrastructure, recently consolidated with Beijing stating it would double national EV charging capacity to 180 gigawatts by 2027.
2026-05-20
Lithium Eases from 2-Year High
Lithium carbonate prices in China were at CNY 191,000 per tonne, easing from the over two-year high of CNY 200,500 from May 13th as the surge in prices drove producers to restart mining activity. Mineral Resources will restart its Bald Hill lithium mine following an 18-month suspension, partially making up for lower output elsewhere. Zimbabwe had announced export quotas for lithium concentrates and a full export ban to start next year. Africa's top producer stated exports would be allowed for processed lithium to stimulate the investment in local processing. On the demand front, New data in top consumer China showed that new energy vehicles output, the top source of lithium demand due to their batteries, rose by 5.5% annually to 1.32 million units, while sales rose by 9.7% to 1.34 million units. Demand also remained supported by Chinese investment in power infrastructure, recently consolidated with Beijing stating it would double national EV charging capacity to 180 gigawatts by 2027.
2026-05-18
Lithium Rises to Near 3-Year High
Lithium carbonate prices in China rose past $195,000 per tonne in May, the highest in nearly three years, amid evidence of strong demand and supply tightness. The volatility in crude oil and refined fuel prices since the start of the war in the Middle East in March added to recent tailwinds on global demand for electric vehicles. New data in top consumer China showed that new energy vehicles output, the top source of lithium demand due to their batteries, rose by 5.5% annually to 1.32 million units, while sales rose by 9.7% to 1.34 million units. Demand also remained supported by Chinese investment in power infrastructure, recently consolidated with Beijing stating it would double national EV charging capacity to 180 gigawatts by 2027. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe announced quotas for exports of lithium concentrates and a full export ban to start next year. Africa's top producer stated exports would be allowed for processed lithium to stimulate the investment in local processing.
2026-05-11