Lithium oxide and hydroxide imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United Kingdom imported lithium oxide and hydroxide worth $13.6 million (923 tonnes). It ranks 10th of 99 countries for imports of this product. That is 59% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 12% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $44.1 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $13.6M | 923 t |
| 2023 | $33.5M | 718 t |
| 2022 | $44.1M | 1.1K t |
| 2021 | $8.5M | 774 t |
| 2020 | $4.6M | 535 t |
| 2019 | $7.2M | 571 t |
| 2018 | $7.4M | 388 t |
| 2017 | $6.1M | 431 t |
Where the United Kingdom imports lithium oxide and hydroxide from
Most of the value came from Netherlands (26%), Chile (24%), United States (22%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $3.5M | 26% |
| Chile | $3.3M | 24% |
| United States | $3.0M | 22% |
| China | $1.9M | 14% |
| Belgium | $1.5M | 11% |
| France | $165K | 1.2% |
| Spain | $94K | 0.7% |
| Japan | $53K | 0.4% |
| South Korea | $36K | 0.3% |
| Romania | $6K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $14.71 per kg, close to the world average of $14.80.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Lithium oxide and hydroxide exports from the United Kingdom
Exports of lithium oxide and hydroxide by the United Kingdom reached $4.5 million in 2024 (264 tonnes). Most of it went to United Arab Emirates (30%), Japan (9%), Belgium (8%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 47%. Among the main buyer markets, France grew fastest (+245% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | $1.4M | 30% |
| Japan | $380K | 8.5% |
| Belgium | $375K | 8.4% |
| France | $288K | 6.5% |
| India | $247K | 5.5% |
| Germany | $192K | 4.3% |
| Singapore | $183K | 4.1% |
| United States | $180K | 4% |
| Netherlands | $165K | 3.7% |
| Chile | $139K | 3.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom lithium oxide and hydroxide imports (HS 2825.20): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 2825.20: Lithium oxide and hydroxide.
Common questions
What is the value of lithium oxide and hydroxide imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported lithium oxide and hydroxide worth $13.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 923 tonnes. That ranks it 10th of 99 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 59% on 2023.
Which countries supply lithium oxide and hydroxide to the United Kingdom?
The Netherlands was the largest supplier with 26% of the value ($3.5 million), followed by Chile (24%) and the United States (22%). The top three together account for 72%, out of 13 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 171% on the year.
What is the average import price of lithium oxide and hydroxide per kg?
The average declared import value was about $14.71 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $14.80 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of lithium oxide and hydroxide to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $6.1 million in 2017 to $13.6 million in 2024, an increase of 121%. The peak was 2022 at $44.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $15.6 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export lithium oxide and hydroxide?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $4.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United Arab Emirates, Japan and Belgium. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $9.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for lithium oxide and hydroxide?
The HS code for lithium oxide and hydroxide is subheading 2825.20. It sits in HS chapter 28 (inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals; of rare earth metals, of radio-active elements and of isotopes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2825 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Shipment-level records for the United Kingdom reach EximDataX from a direct customs feed, with company names, dates and declared values. We can show them for your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World lithium oxide and hydroxide trade: top importers and exporters
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.