For the Quarter Ending June 2026
Lithium Metal Prices in North America
- In the USA, the Lithium Metal Price Index rose by 8.39% quarter-over-quarter, supported by tight availability and robust procurement.
- The average Lithium Metal price for the quarter was approximately USD 239741.33/MT, reflecting tight inventories and steady industrial procurement.
- Lithium Metal Spot Price eased in June; comfortable arrivals and cautious buying pressured market offers.
- Lithium Metal Price Forecast indicates slight near-term weakness before normal seasonal restocking supports later buying.
- Lithium Metal Production Cost Trend eased; hydroxide input prices moderated, lowering conversion costs for refiners.
- Lithium Metal Demand Outlook remains robust with EV and energy storage procurement underpinning baseline requirements.
- Lithium Metal Price Index eased in June as suppliers trimmed offers aggressively and reduced inventories.
- Export demand softened as international buyers deferred purchases; producers maintained steady operations despite weaker exports.
Why did the price of Lithium Metal change in June 2026 in North America?
- Ample import arrivals and stable domestic production increased available supply, outweighing demand and pressuring spot prices downward.
- Downstream buyers reduced purchases following earlier restocking, decreasing immediate demand despite healthy long-term EV-driven consumption expectations.
- Logistics bottlenecks were uneven; inland delays persisted but overall port arrivals remained sufficient, moderating cost-driven upward pressure.
Lithium Metal Prices in APAC
- In China, the Lithium Metal Price Index rose by 8.23% quarter-over-quarter, supported by tight availability.
- The average Lithium Metal price for the quarter was approximately USD 147323.33/MT, reflecting tight supply.
- Lithium Metal Spot Price tightened amid port congestion as producers allocated volumes to export commitments.
- Lithium Metal Price Forecast projected near-term gains driven by EV restocking and spodumene replacement costs.
- Lithium Metal Production Cost Trend eased in June as Hydroxide and spodumene declines reduced expenses.
- Lithium Metal Demand Outlook remains constructive long-term; June purchasing softened as buyers completed inventory rebuilds.
- Lithium Metal Price Index volatility reflected restocking, bearish pressure from domestic stocks and restrained procurement.
- Producers operated at regular rates while lean export-focused inventories and enquiries supported disciplined FOB offers.
Why did the price of Lithium Metal change in June 2026 in APAC?
- Eased feedstock costs lowered conversion expenses, enabling competitive offers and contributing to the June price decline.
- Operational port congestion and weather disruptions delayed shipments, increasing logistic friction despite available inland inventories.
- Downstream buyers paused discretionary procurement after restocking, weakening immediate demand and reinforcing downward price momentum.
India
- In India, the Lithium Metal Price Index rose by 5.29% quarter-over-quarter, driven by import costs.
- Comfortable imports and eased urgency kept the Lithium Metal Spot Price soft despite port congestion.
Lithium Metal Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Lithium Metal Price Index rose by 8.39% quarter-over-quarter, driven by April–May restocking.
- The average Lithium Metal price for the quarter was approximately USD 554911.00/MT, assessed transactional averages.
- Lithium Metal Spot Price eased in June as domestic output increased and coastal inventories expanded.
- Lithium Metal Price Forecast signals short-term correction followed by recovery ahead of Q4 battery procurement.
- Lithium Metal Production Cost Trend softened as renewable electricity lowered energy expenses, supporting higher output.
- Lithium Metal Demand Outlook remains constructive from battery research, aerospace alloys, stockbuilding despite automotive softness.
- Lithium Metal Price Index displayed intra-quarter divergence as April–May strength was offset by June declines.
- Ports congestion and terminal operational limits persisted, yet higher coastal inventories encouraged competitive supplier offers.
Why did the price of Lithium Metal change in June 2026 in Europe?
- Improved availability from commissioned pilot lines increased inventories, directly pressuring spot pricing downward in June.
- Renewable electricity deal lowered production energy costs, enabling higher output and reducing short-term price pressures.
- Buyers limited discretionary purchases after earlier restocking, leaving demand subdued relative to expanding supply volumes.
For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Lithium Metal Price in North America
- In USA, the Lithium Metal Price Index rose by 42.3% quarter-over-quarter, driven by tight supply.
- The average Lithium Metal price for quarter was approximately USD 221182.67/MT, reflecting FOB Boston levels.
- Lithium Metal Spot Price strengthened as constrained inventories prioritized FOB exports, reducing domestic shipments overall.
- Lithium Metal Price Forecast shows moderated gains after Q1 restocking, with gradual normalization expected mid-year.
- Lithium Metal Production Cost Trend reflected rising hydroxide and electricity expenses, increasing electrolysis conversion costs.
- Lithium Metal Demand Outlook remained firm as defense contracts and export inquiries supported procurement levels.
- Lithium Metal Price Index stayed persistently elevated amid logistical disruptions, port congestion and precautionary stockpiling.
- Inventory discipline and lean producer stockpiles allowed sellers to secure firmer offers despite softness.
Why did the price of Lithium Metal change in March 2026 in North America?
- Tight feedstock availability and higher lithium hydroxide costs elevated conversion expenses, supporting higher FOB offers.
- Defense procurement and export demand reduced available spot volumes, limiting downstream negotiation and easing pressure.
- Weather-related port disruptions and rising marine insurance premiums tightened logistics, constrained distribution, supporting spot premiums.
Lithium Metal Price in APAC
- In China, the Lithium Metal Price Index rose by 69.86% quarter-over-quarter, driven by tight inventories.
- The average Lithium Metal price for the quarter was approximately USD 136125/MT, reflecting elevated conversion costs.
- Lithium Metal Spot Price remained firm amid constrained offer volumes, supporting an elevated Price Index.
- Lithium Metal Price Forecast shows near-term firmness, driven by sustained export interest and term-contract prioritization.
- Lithium Metal Production Cost Trend moved higher; lithium hydroxide feedstock prices and energy costs rose.
- Lithium Metal Demand Outlook remains positive driven by solid-state battery development and aerospace alloying procurement.
- Inventory levels stayed thin at coastal warehouses, pressuring sellers to favor term commitments over spot.
- Port congestion and shipping delays reduced supply liquidity, while export demand sustained upward price pressure.
Why did the price of Lithium Metal change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Low inventories and prioritized term shipments limited spot liquidity, transmitting higher conversion costs into FOB.
- Rising lithium hydroxide feedstock and energy costs increased producers' conversion expenses, supporting elevated ex-works prices.
- Port congestion and shipment delays constrained supply flows, while robust export enquiries sustained seller advantage.
Lithium Metal Price in Europe
- In Germany, the Lithium Metal Price Index rose by 21.17% quarter-over-quarter, driven by constrained supply.
- The average Lithium Metal price for the quarter was approximately USD 511952.33/MT FOB Hamburg regional.
- Thin inventories and logistic delays pushed the Lithium Metal Spot Price upward, limiting available supply.
- Current Lithium Metal Price Forecast suggests further gains as energy and transport costs remain elevated.
- Elevated electricity tariffs and expensive feedstock sustained upward Lithium Metal Production Cost Trend, compressing margins.
- Lithium Metal Demand Outlook remains robust from EV battery pilots, aerospace programs, and EU exports.
- Lean Hamburg inventories and export call-offs elevated the Lithium Metal Price Index, reducing seller concessions.
- Severe winter weather and port congestion extended delays, disrupting inbound feedstock flows and constraining production.
Why did the price of Lithium Metal change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Tight domestic production and depleted inventories reduced spot tons, exerting upward price pressure in March.
- Rising electricity and feedstock costs increased production expenses, reflecting higher Production Cost Trend across producers.
- Winter weather and port congestion extended transit, aggravating logistics bottlenecks and tightening inbound feedstock availability.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
Lithium Metal Prices in North America
- In the USA, the Lithium Metal Price Index rose by 1.05% quarter-over-quarter, supported by tight supply.
- The average Lithium Metal price for the quarter was approximately USD 155407.33/MT, reflecting constrained domestic supply.
- Lithium Metal Spot Price firmed as domestic output failed to meet allocations, prompting forward coverage.
- Lithium Metal Production Cost Trend higher from rising Lithium Hydroxide feedstock and energy-intensive electrolysis operations.
- Lithium Metal Demand Outlook remains robust for defense, pilot battery use despite softer EV sales.
- Lithium Metal Price Index remained elevated as inventories tightened and export commitments commanded FOB premiums.
- Port and rail delays, tariffs on Chinese feedstock, prioritized allocations intensified short-term tightness and risk.
- Lithium Metal Price Forecast anticipates gains as IRA projects and defense orders sustain forward buying.
Why did the price of Lithium Metal change in December 2025 in North America?
- Structural import constraints limited domestic capacity, tightening availability, elevating marginal costs and supporting premiums.
- Rising feedstock Lithium Hydroxide prices increased production expense, transmitting pressure to domestic FOB sellers.
- Port and rail delays plus prioritized export allocations constrained spot availability, intensifying market tightness.
Lithium Metal Prices in APAC
- In China, the Lithium Metal Price Index rose by 3.65% quarter-over-quarter, supported by tight availability and robust cathode demand.
- The average Lithium Metal price for the quarter was approximately USD 80139.00/MT on FOB Shanghai terms, reflecting export orientation.
- Lithium Metal Spot Price remained firm as port congestion and feedstock tightness restricted prompt cargo availability and arbitrage.
- Lithium Metal Price Forecast indicates modest further gains near-term, supported by year-end restocking and continued export enquiries.
- Lithium Metal Production Cost Trend pointed upward as Lithium Hydroxide and electricity costs increased, pressuring producer margins.
- Lithium Metal Demand Outlook remains constructive driven by EV cathode restocking, grid storage procurement and research segment uptake.
- Inventory accumulation from production ramp-ups tempered the Lithium Metal Price Index despite strong seasonal battery-sector restocking.
- Operational disruptions, compliance inspections and regional mine-policy uncertainty supported tighter prompt markets and elevated seller pricing power.
Why did the price of Lithium Metal change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Environmental inspections reduced domestic output, tightening supply, limiting export volumes and elevating seller pricing power.
- Higher Lithium Hydroxide and electricity costs increased production expense, supporting upward pressure on traders' offers.
- Robust cathode restocking by battery makers and export demand absorbed output, limiting downside for prices.
Lithium Metal Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Lithium Metal Price Index rose by 0.92% quarter-over-quarter, driven by tight supply conditions.
- The average Lithium Metal price for the quarter was approximately USD 422506.67/MT as FOB Hamburg.
- Lithium Metal Spot Price remained firm with exporters tightening offers amid thin Hamburg inventories persistently.
- Lithium Metal Production Cost Trend rose slightly on higher electricity tariffs and increased imported feedstock freight.
- Lithium Metal Demand Outlook remains robust as EV and battery procurement lifts offtake across Europe.
- Lithium Metal Price Index showed firmness as limited spot availability and export enquiries supported offers.
- Lithium Metal Spot Price volatility eased while manufacturers rebuilt inventories; port delays kept seller leverage.
- Lithium Metal Price Forecast shows strength as export enquiries and landed costs keep offers elevated.
Why did the price of Lithium Metal change in December 2025 in Europe?
- Constrained domestic output and thin Hamburg inventories tightened supply, enabling sellers to raise FOB offers.
- Elevated electricity tariffs and higher imported feedstock costs increased production expenses, pressuring price levels upward.
- Port congestion, crane disruptions, and export demand created logistical bottlenecks, reducing availability and supporting prices.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
- In USA, the Lithium Metal Price Index remained steady quarter-over-quarter, reflecting balanced trade scenarios.
- The average Lithium Metal price for the quarter was approximately USD 153783.33/MT.
- Lithium Metal Spot Price tightened from port premiums and logistical delays, lifting the Price Index
- Lithium Metal Price Forecast expects modest monthly gains as feedstock volatility supports the Price Index
- Lithium Metal Production Cost Trend increased for the short term due to shipping reroutes and higher hydroxide input costs
- Lithium Metal Demand Outlook remains robust from EV and energy storage procurement, sustaining buying urgency
- Elevated inventories tempered some international flows, yet US demand absorbed volumes stabilizing the Price Index
Why did the price of Lithium Metal not change in September 2025 in North America?
- Due to the balanced supply demand scenarios.
- Strategic pre-emptive buying ahead of policy risks, ample inventories limited upward price pressure
APAC
- In China, the Lithium Metal Price Index fell quarter-over-quarter, pressured by oversupply pressures.
- The average Lithium Metal price for the quarter was approximately USD 157,996/MT, reflecting inventory discounts.
- Lithium Metal Price Forecast indicates modest recovery as hydroxide constraints support selective buyer restocking.
- Though, Lithium Metal Production Cost Trend rose on hydroxide shortages and higher carbonate conversion expenses during the quarter.
- Lithium Metal Demand Outlook remains weak despite China's NEV growth, with deferred purchasing and destocking.
- Elevated producer inventories pressured the Lithium Metal Price Index, prompting aggressive discounting and production cuts.
- Export demand softness from Germany, India, UK depressed Lithium Metal Spot Price, reducing shipments abroad.
Why did the price of Lithium Metal change in September 2025 in APAC?
- High domestic inventories and cautious downstream restocking limited sustained rallies, keeping Price Index recovery weak.
- Due to the weak overseas demand condition during the quarter.
Europe
- In Germany, the Lithium Metal Price Index fell quarter-over-quarter, reflecting oversupply conditions.
- The average Lithium Metal price for the quarter was approximately USD 418636.67/MT, per FOB Hamburg.
- Lithium Metal Spot Price strengthened due to Hamburg congestion, high container freight and Asian arbitrage.
- Lithium Metal Price Forecast anticipates modest gains as German EV procurement and restocking tighten inventories.
- Lithium Metal Demand Outlook remains constructive driven by German EV production and gigafactory procurement schedules.
- Lithium Metal Price Index volatility reflected alternating Chinese export flows and variable European inventory replenishment.
- Elevated European inventories and Chinese exports constrained near-term buying while domestic producers maintained disciplined offers.
Why did the price of Lithium Metal change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Port congestion and container delays, supported to accumulate the inventory, domestically.
- Chinese export surges created global oversupply, prompting buyer caution and a quarter-over-quarter Price Index correction.
