Lithium carbonate prices in China rose past $195,000 per tonne in May, the highest in nearly three years, amid evidence of strong demand and supply tightness. The volatility in crude oil and refined fuel prices since the start of the war in the Middle East in March added to recent tailwinds on global demand for electric vehicles. New data in top consumer China showed that new energy vehicles output, the top source of lithium demand due to their batteries, rose by 5.5% annually to 1.32 million units, while sales rose by 9.7% to 1.34 million units. Demand also remained supported by Chinese investment in power infrastructure, recently consolidated with Beijing stating it would double national EV charging capacity to 180 gigawatts by 2027. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe announced quotas for exports of lithium concentrates and a full export ban to start next year. Africa's top producer stated exports would be allowed for processed lithium to stimulate the investment in local processing.

Lithium fell to 191,500 CNY/T on May 18, 2026, down 0.26% from the previous day. Over the past month, Lithium's price has risen 11.01%, and is up 200.63% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Historically, Lithium reached an all time high of 5750000 in December of 2022. Lithium - data, forecasts, historical chart - was last updated on May 18 of 2026.

Lithium fell to 191,500 CNY/T on May 18, 2026, down 0.26% from the previous day. Over the past month, Lithium's price has risen 11.01%, and is up 200.63% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Lithium is expected to trade at 194572.80 CNY/T by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. Looking forward, we estimate it to trade at 213427.20 in 12 months time.



Price Day Month Year Date
Gold 4,542.08 -5.81 -0.13% -5.79% 40.96% May/18
Silver 75.88 0.131 0.17% -4.80% 134.53% May/18
Copper 6.21 -0.0430 -0.69% 2.86% 34.23% May/18
Steel 3,189.00 -22.00 -0.69% 1.63% 3.10% May/18
Lithium 191,500.00 -500 -0.26% 11.01% 200.63% May/18
Platinum 1,980.30 -11.50 -0.58% -5.12% 97.12% May/18
Iron Ore 110.77 -0.35 -0.32% 3.42% 10.68% May/15


Lithium
Trading Economics provides Lithium pricing based on spot prices for Lithium Carbonate, 99.5% Li2CO3 min, battery grade, traded in China. Lithium is a silver-white light metal. Lithium hydroxide is used in batteries for electrical vehicles and mobile phones. Lithium hydroxide is produced from a chemical reaction between lithium carbonate and calcium hydroxide. The biggest lithium producers are Chile, China, Australia and Argentina. The largest lithium importers are China, Japan, South Korea and the United States.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
191500.00 192000.00 5750000.00 39000.00 2017 - 2026 CNY/T Daily

News Stream
Lithium Rises to Near 3-Year High
Lithium carbonate prices in China rose past $195,000 per tonne in May, the highest in nearly three years, amid evidence of strong demand and supply tightness. The volatility in crude oil and refined fuel prices since the start of the war in the Middle East in March added to recent tailwinds on global demand for electric vehicles. New data in top consumer China showed that new energy vehicles output, the top source of lithium demand due to their batteries, rose by 5.5% annually to 1.32 million units, while sales rose by 9.7% to 1.34 million units. Demand also remained supported by Chinese investment in power infrastructure, recently consolidated with Beijing stating it would double national EV charging capacity to 180 gigawatts by 2027. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe announced quotas for exports of lithium concentrates and a full export ban to start next year. Africa's top producer stated exports would be allowed for processed lithium to stimulate the investment in local processing.
2026-05-11
Lithium Rises 50% YTD
Lithium carbonate prices in China surpassed CNY 175,000 per tonne in May, gaining 50% this year toward to approach the highest level since 2023 amid growing long-term demand. The surge in crude oil and product prices since the start of March supported the outlook for larger economies to favor new energy vehicles, which use batteries that take lithium as a major input. Likewise, BYD forecasted it will sell 1.5 million units overseas this year, revised higher from the January estimate of 1.3 million units. Demand also remained supported by Chinese investment in power infrastructure, recently consolidated with Beijing stating it would double national EV charging capacity to 180 gigawatts by 2027. Fresh buying is also featured from data center operators, whose power storage systems require more lithium than those used by EVs, on the historical capital investments by AI companies and hardware producers.
2026-05-05
Lithium Rises to 3-Month High
Lithium carbonate prices in China rose to CNY 175,000 per tonne in late April, the highest in three months and nearly 50% up year-to-date amid evidence of growing long-term demand. The surge in crude oil and product prices since the start of March supported the outlook for larger economies to favor new energy vehicles, which use batteries that take lithium as a major input. Likewise, BYD forecasted it will sell 1.5 million units overseas this year, revised higher from the January estimate of 1.3 million units. Demand also remained supported by Chinese investment in power infrastructure, recently consolidated with Beijing stating it would double national EV charging capacity to 180 gigawatts by 2027. Fresh buying is also featured from data center operators, whose power storage systems require more lithium than those used by EVs, on the historical capital investments by AI companies and hardware producers.
2026-04-27