Lithium primary batteries imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
The United Kingdom imported $116.2 million of lithium primary batteries in 2024 (2.4 thousand tonnes). It ranks 9th of 221 countries for imports of this product. That is 13% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $116.2M | 2.4K t |
| 2023 | $133.8M | 3.3K t |
| 2022 | $123.2M | 3.4K t |
| 2021 | $106.2M | 2.4K t |
| 2020 | $90.8M | 2.1K t |
| 2019 | $103.8M | 3.5K t |
| 2018 | $130.7M | 3.9K t |
| 2017 | $131.8M | 4.1K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports lithium primary batteries from
The largest suppliers were China (37%), United States (18%), Singapore (6%). Among the main suppliers, Austria grew fastest (+102% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $43.1M | 37% |
| United States | $20.9M | 18% |
| Singapore | $7.2M | 6.2% |
| Japan | $7.2M | 6.2% |
| Germany | $6.0M | 5.2% |
| France | $5.8M | 5% |
| Indonesia | $5.4M | 4.6% |
| Austria | $3.2M | 2.8% |
| South Korea | $2.0M | 1.7% |
| Israel | $1.9M | 1.7% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $47.85 per kg, close to the world average of $47.98.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Lithium primary batteries exports from the United Kingdom
In 2024, the United Kingdom exported lithium primary batteries worth $54.4 million (669 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The largest buyer markets were United States (15%), Netherlands (12%), Germany (7%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 33%. Among the main buyer markets, Austria grew fastest (+295% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $8.0M | 15% |
| Netherlands | $6.4M | 12% |
| Germany | $3.6M | 6.7% |
| Ireland | $3.3M | 6.1% |
| Italy | $2.7M | 5% |
| Canada | $2.5M | 4.6% |
| France | $2.4M | 4.5% |
| Norway | $2.4M | 4.4% |
| Switzerland | $1.6M | 3% |
| Austria | $1.6M | 2.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom lithium primary batteries imports (HS 8506.50): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 8506.50: Cells and batteries: primary, lithium.
Common questions
What is the value of lithium primary batteries imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported lithium primary batteries worth $116.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 9th of 221 countries worldwide, with 3% of world imports. The value was down 13% on 2023.
Which countries supply lithium primary batteries to the United Kingdom?
China was the largest supplier with 37% of the value ($43.1 million), followed by the United States (18%) and Singapore (6%). The top three together account for 61%, out of 63 supplier countries in total. Austria grew fastest among the top ten, up 102% on the year.
What is the average import price of lithium primary batteries per kg?
The average declared import value was about $47.85 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $47.98 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of lithium primary batteries to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $131.8 million in 2017 to $116.2 million in 2024, a fall of 12%. The peak was 2023 at $133.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $117.1 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export lithium primary batteries?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $54.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, the Netherlands and Germany. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $61.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for lithium primary batteries?
The HS code for lithium primary batteries is subheading 8506.50. It sits in HS chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers; television image and sound recorders and reproducers, parts and accessories of such articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8506 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX has a direct customs feed for the United Kingdom, so the importers and exporters behind these totals are visible by name, shipment by shipment. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World lithium primary batteries trade: top importers and exporters
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