Lithium primary batteries exports from the United States: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, the United States exported lithium primary batteries worth $481.5 million (5.4 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 2nd largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 156 countries. Value rose 8% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $481.5M | 5.4K t |
| 2023 | $443.9M | 5.3K t |
| 2022 | $440.6M | 5.1K t |
| 2021 | $364.6M | 4.3K t |
| 2020 | $413.4M | 5.0K t |
| 2019 | $397.0M | 4.5K t |
| 2018 | $403.7M | 5.7K t |
| 2017 | $412.9M | 4.6K t |
Where the United States exports lithium primary batteries to
Most of it went to Switzerland (13%), Ireland (13%), Singapore (11%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 37%. Among the main buyer markets, China grew fastest (+108% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | $64.8M | 14% |
| Ireland | $60.5M | 13% |
| Singapore | $51.0M | 11% |
| Mexico | $43.2M | 9% |
| Canada | $34.0M | 7.1% |
| Malaysia | $31.1M | 6.5% |
| Germany | $25.5M | 5.3% |
| United Kingdom | $20.9M | 4.3% |
| China | $17.1M | 3.6% |
| Netherlands | $16.2M | 3.4% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $89.27 per kg, 86% above the world average of $47.98. 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 primary batteries imports to the United States
The United States imported $448.3 million of lithium primary batteries in 2024 (6.0 thousand tonnes). That makes it the largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 221 countries. Most of the value came from China (19%), Singapore (17%), Israel (13%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 49%. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+32% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $83.7M | 19% |
| Singapore | $75.0M | 17% |
| Israel | $59.7M | 13% |
| Japan | $38.3M | 8.6% |
| Canada | $35.0M | 7.8% |
| South Korea | $33.6M | 7.5% |
| France | $26.5M | 5.9% |
| Indonesia | $24.9M | 5.6% |
| Mexico | $14.7M | 3.3% |
| Germany | $13.2M | 3% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
The shipment records behind United States lithium primary batteries exports (HS 8506.50): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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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 exported by the United States?
The United States exported lithium primary batteries worth $481.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 2nd of 156 countries worldwide, with 13% of world exports. The value was up 8% on 2023.
Which countries buy lithium primary batteries from the United States?
Switzerland was the largest buyer with 13% of the value ($64.8 million), followed by Ireland (13%) and Singapore (11%). The top three together account for 37%, out of 160 buyer countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 108% on the year.
What is the average export price of lithium primary batteries per kg?
The average declared export value was about $89.27 per kg in 2024, 86% above 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 exports of lithium primary batteries from the United States changed since 2017?
Exports went from $412.9 million in 2017 to $481.5 million in 2024, an increase of 17%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $419.7 million a year.
Does the United States also import lithium primary batteries?
Yes. The United States imported $448.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, Singapore and Israel. That compares with exports of $481.5 million in the same 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?
The totals here are public statistics; the company-level detail sits in EximDataX, which has a direct customs feed for the United States. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World lithium primary batteries trade: top importers and exporters
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