Lithium oxide and hydroxide exports from the United States: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of lithium oxide and hydroxide by the United States reached $177.1 million in 2024 (8.4 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 3rd largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 54 countries. That is 47% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2023, at $335.6 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $177.1M | 8.4K t |
| 2023 | $335.6M | 8.6K t |
| 2022 | $281.8M | 9.1K t |
| 2021 | $90.3M | 7.3K t |
| 2020 | $80.9M | 6.8K t |
| 2019 | $113.0M | 9.4K t |
| 2018 | $99.5M | 8.2K t |
| 2017 | $111.3M | 10.1K t |
Where the United States exports lithium oxide and hydroxide to
Most of it went to Japan (44%), South Korea (25%), China (12%). Among the main buyer markets, China grew fastest (+87% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $77.1M | 44% |
| South Korea | $44.9M | 25% |
| China | $20.8M | 12% |
| Poland | $11.2M | 6.3% |
| Germany | $8.0M | 4.5% |
| Argentina | $3.4M | 1.9% |
| United Kingdom | $3.0M | 1.7% |
| Canada | $2.2M | 1.3% |
| Netherlands | $1.2M | 0.7% |
| Saudi Arabia | $970K | 0.6% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $20.96 per kg, 42% above the world average of $14.80. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Lithium oxide and hydroxide imports to the United States
Imports of lithium oxide and hydroxide by the United States reached $12.1 million in 2024 (743 tonnes). One supplier dominates: Chile accounted for 69% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+51% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Chile | $8.4M | 69% |
| China | $1.7M | 14% |
| Romania | $998K | 8.2% |
| Switzerland | $398K | 3.3% |
| Sweden | $211K | 1.7% |
| United Kingdom | $180K | 1.5% |
| South Korea | $52K | 0.4% |
| Slovakia | $41K | 0.3% |
| India | $37K | 0.3% |
| Mexico | $32K | 0.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
The shipment records behind United States lithium oxide and hydroxide exports (HS 2825.20): 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 2825.20: Lithium oxide and hydroxide.
Common questions
What is the value of lithium oxide and hydroxide exported by the United States?
The United States exported lithium oxide and hydroxide worth $177.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 8.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 3rd of 54 countries worldwide, with 7% of world exports. The value was down 47% on 2023.
Which countries buy lithium oxide and hydroxide from the United States?
Japan was the largest buyer with 44% of the value ($77.1 million), followed by South Korea (25%) and China (12%). The top three together account for 81%, out of 55 buyer countries in total. Saudi Arabia grew fastest among the top ten, up 178% on the year.
What is the average export price of lithium oxide and hydroxide per kg?
The average declared export value was about $20.96 per kg in 2024, 42% above the world average of $14.80 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of lithium oxide and hydroxide from the United States changed since 2017?
Exports went from $111.3 million in 2017 to $177.1 million in 2024, an increase of 59%. The peak was 2023 at $335.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $161.2 million a year.
Does the United States also import lithium oxide and hydroxide?
Yes. The United States imported $12.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Chile, China and Romania. On balance the United States is a net exporter of this product, by about $165.0 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?
EximDataX has a direct customs feed for the United States, 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 oxide and hydroxide trade: top importers and exporters
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