Chile Lithium Carbonate HS283691 Export Data 2025 February Overview

Chile Lithium Carbonate (HS 283691) 2025 February Export: Key Takeaways

Chile's Lithium Carbonate exports (HS Code 283691) in February 2025 reveal a market dominated by China Mainland, absorbing 88.9% of export value, signaling high buyer concentration and supply chain risk. The tight alignment between value and weight ratios confirms uniform product grade, typical for bulk commodities, while sustained export volumes suggest market stability. This analysis, covering February 2025, is based on processed Customs data from the yTrade database.

Chile Lithium Carbonate (HS 283691) 2025 February Export Background

Chile's Lithium Carbonate (HS Code 283691) is a critical raw material for batteries, ceramics, and pharmaceuticals, driving steady global demand as clean energy adoption grows. Recent data shows Chile exported $145M worth of lithium carbonates in August 2025 [OEC], reinforcing its role as a top supplier under the EU-Chile trade agreement [EU Taxation]. With exports surging 27.5% in early 2025 [Metal News], Chile remains pivotal for February 2025 trade flows, especially to the U.S. and China.

Chile Lithium Carbonate (HS 283691) 2025 February Export: Trend Summary

Key Observations

In February 2025, Chile's Lithium Carbonate exports under HS Code 283691 totaled 1.08 billion USD in value and 149.91 million kg in volume, marking a significant monthly decline from January's elevated levels.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The sharp MoM drop in both value and volume—from 2.07 billion USD and 275.94 million kg in January—suggests a post-surge correction typical in commodity markets like lithium, where inventory cycles and battery manufacturing demand fluctuations often lead to volatile monthly shifts. This normalization aligns with industry patterns where rapid export spikes, such as January's 27.5% MoM surge, are frequently followed by adjustments as supply chains rebalance and buyers pause after stockpiling.

External Context and Outlook

The January export surge was widely reported, including by [news.metal.com], highlighting strong global demand for electric vehicle components. February's pullback likely reflects this volatility, compounded by broader trade dynamics under agreements like the EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement (Source Name), which may influence timing and volumes. Looking ahead, Chile's role as a top lithium supplier remains稳固, with exports expected to stabilize amid steady EV sector growth.

Chile Lithium Carbonate (HS 283691) 2025 February Export: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In February 2025, Chile's Lithium Carbonate exports under HS Code 283691 were highly concentrated in the sub-code 28369130 for lithium carbonate, which held 89.69% of the export value and 90.65% of the weight. This dominant product had a unit price of 7.11 USD per kilogram, indicating a standardized bulk commodity focus. The other sub-codes showed minor shares with no extreme price anomalies, allowing them to be included in the main analysis.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The sub-codes can be grouped into two categories based on unit price: a higher-grade segment represented by 28369190 at 8.82 USD per kilogram, and a standard-grade segment including 28369130 at 7.11 USD per kilogram and 28369140 at 5.91 USD per kilogram. This price spread suggests that Chile's Lithium Carbonate trade involves differentiated products by quality or purity, rather than being a purely fungible bulk commodity tied to indices. The structure points to a market with variations in chemical specifications.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

Chile's strong export concentration in Lithium Carbonate HS Code 283691 for February 2025 gives it significant pricing power, especially for the high-volume standard grade. [Metal News] reported a surge in January exports, supporting sustained global demand. Market players should focus on quality differentiation to capture value, as Chile remains a key supplier in the lithium market. (Metal News)

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Chile Lithium Carbonate (HS 283691) 2025 February Export: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In February 2025, Chile's lithium carbonate exports under HS Code 283691 were highly concentrated, with China Mainland dominating at 88.9% of the export value and 88.09% of the weight, indicating a consistent product grade typical for bulk commodities. The minimal disparity between value and weight ratios points to stable pricing and uniform quality in this period.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The export partners form two clusters: China Mainland as the primary cluster due to its large-scale battery production demand, and a secondary cluster including South Korea and Japan, driven by their roles in electronics and automotive supply chains. This pattern reflects Chile's strategic positioning as a key raw material supplier to major manufacturing hubs in Asia.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

This heavy reliance on China underscores supply chain risks; companies should explore diversification or local value-added processing to reduce vulnerability. Recent data shows sustained export volumes without major policy shifts, but monitoring trade agreements is advised for stability [FreightAmigo].

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Chile Lithium Carbonate (HS 283691) 2025 February Export: Action Plan for Lithium Carbonate Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

Chile's Lithium Carbonate export market under HS Code 283691 in February 2025 is defined by two core price drivers. First, product grade differentiation creates a price spread, with higher purity grades commanding premiums. Second, heavy reliance on China's battery manufacturing demand ties pricing to Asian industrial cycles. This concentration creates supply chain risks. Chile acts as a critical raw material supplier but faces vulnerability from geopolitical shifts or demand changes in key markets.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Lithium Carbonate Market Execution

• Use HS Code 283691 sub-code data to track premium grade demand. This allows price optimization for higher-margin products.
• Analyze buyer frequency patterns to forecast order cycles. This prevents inventory gaps or overstock with major clients.
• Monitor China’s industrial policies and battery production trends. This provides early warning for demand shifts in the dominant market.
• Develop long-term contracts with high-frequency buyers. This secures stable revenue despite market volatility.
• Explore secondary markets like South Korea and Japan for diversification. This reduces over-dependence on a single buyer region.

Take Action Now —— Explore Chile Lithium Carbonate Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Chile Lithium Carbonate Export 2025 February?

A1. The sharp month-on-month decline in February 2025 reflects a post-surge correction after January's elevated exports, typical of volatile commodity markets like lithium, where demand fluctuations and inventory cycles cause rapid shifts.

Q2. Who are the main partner countries in this Chile Lithium Carbonate Export 2025 February?

A2. China Mainland dominates with 88.9% of export value, followed by South Korea and Japan, driven by their roles in battery and automotive supply chains.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across Chile Lithium Carbonate Export 2025 February partner countries?

A3. Price differences stem from product grade variations: high-grade lithium carbonate (sub-code 28369190) trades at 8.82 USD/kg, while standard-grade (28369130) averages 7.11 USD/kg.

Q4. What should exporters in Chile focus on in the current Lithium Carbonate export market?

A4. Exporters must prioritize long-term contracts with dominant high-volume buyers (52.54% of value) while diversifying to attract large infrequent purchasers to mitigate reliance on a few clients.

Q5. What does this Chile Lithium Carbonate export pattern mean for buyers in partner countries?

A5. Buyers in China and other Asian markets benefit from stable supply but face risks from Chile's heavy export concentration; securing alternative sources or local processing could reduce vulnerability.

Q6. How is Lithium Carbonate typically used in this trade flow?

A6. It primarily serves as a raw material for battery production in electric vehicles and electronics, aligning with demand from manufacturing hubs like China and South Korea.