Chile Lithium Carbonate HS283691 Export Data 2025 July Overview

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

Chile's Lithium Carbonate exports (HS Code 283691) in July 2025 were dominated by China, which absorbed 57% of shipments, reflecting heavy reliance on Asia's battery and EV sectors. The market shows stable bulk pricing at $7.79/kg, with China and South Korea accounting for over 97% of trade—a high concentration risk for buyers. This analysis, covering July 2025, is based on verified Customs data from the yTrade database.

Chile Lithium Carbonate (HS 283691) 2025 July Export Background

What is HS Code 283691?

HS Code 283691 refers to lithium carbonates, a critical raw material used primarily in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), energy storage systems, and consumer electronics. Global demand for lithium carbonate remains high due to the rapid expansion of the EV market and renewable energy infrastructure. Chile, as a leading producer, plays a pivotal role in supplying this commodity, with exports under HS 283691 being a key contributor to its trade economy.

Current Context and Strategic Position

In July 2025, Chile’s lithium carbonate exports (HS 283691) maintained strong momentum, driven by steady global demand, particularly from China and other major markets [FreightAmigo]. No new policy changes were reported, but existing trade agreements, such as the EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement, continued to facilitate exports [EU Taxation and Customs]. Chile’s dominance in lithium production underscores its strategic importance in global supply chains, especially as the U.S. and EU monitor critical mineral dependencies. Market vigilance remains essential given the commodity’s volatility and geopolitical sensitivities.

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

Key Observations

In July 2025, Chile's exports of lithium carbonate under HS Code 283691 reached $1.93 billion in value and 241.91 million kilograms in volume, marking a significant recovery from the previous month and underscoring the country's dominant role in global lithium supply.

Price and Volume Dynamics

Month-over-month, July's exports surged from June, with value increasing by approximately 20.6% and volume by 40.1%, reversing the declines seen in May and June. This volatility aligns with typical production and inventory cycles in the lithium industry, where mining output and stock adjustments often lead to fluctuations. The overall 2025 trend shows peaks in January and April, driven by robust global demand for battery materials, particularly from the electric vehicle sector, which relies heavily on consistent lithium carbonate supplies.

External Context and Outlook

The external environment reinforces this pattern, as Chile's lithium carbonate exports experienced a notable surge in January 2025 [Metal.com], highlighting sustained demand. Updated trade agreements and HS code implementations in 2025, as detailed in sources like FreightAmigo, have streamlined export processes, supporting July's rebound. With electric vehicle adoption accelerating, Chile's export outlook remains positive, though geopolitical or policy shifts could introduce future volatility.

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

Product Specialization and Concentration

In July 2025, Chile's Lithium Carbonate exports under HS Code 283691 are highly concentrated in sub-code 28369130, which accounts for over 92% of the value and weight, with a unit price of 8.04 USD per kilogram, according to yTrade data. This sub-code, described as Carbonates; lithium carbonate, demonstrates strong specialization in a standard bulk form. A smaller, higher-priced segment, sub-code 28369140, has a unit price of 10.66 USD/kg, suggesting a distinct grade isolated from the main pool.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The exports break into two clear groups: a dominant standard grade represented by sub-codes 28369130 and 28369190 with unit prices near 7-8 USD/kg, and a premium grade under sub-code 28369140 at 10.66 USD/kg. This structure indicates a trade in differentiated goods based on quality grades, rather than fungible bulk commodities tied to indices, with Chile offering both mass-market and high-value variants.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

Chile's control over a large share of Lithium Carbonate exports, combined with quality differentiation, provides strong pricing power. Earlier reports of export surges, such as those from [news.metal.com], hint at sustained demand, enabling Chilean producers to command premiums and focus on high-margin segments for strategic growth.

Check Detailed HS 283691 Breakdown

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

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In July 2025, Chile's exports of Lithium Carbonate under HS Code 283691 were highly concentrated, with China Mainland as the dominant importer, accounting for 57.37% of the value and 58.91% of the weight. The close match between value and weight ratios indicates a stable, bulk commodity pricing around 7.79 USD per kilogram, typical for raw materials like lithium used in batteries.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The top importers form two clear clusters: China and South Korea together handle over 97% of the value, driven by massive demand from their electric vehicle and battery industries. A second cluster includes Japan, the UK, the US, and Germany, with smaller shares likely for specialized industrial uses or backup supply chains, reflecting diversified but lower-volume needs.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

For Chile, maintaining strong ties with key Asian markets is crucial, while importers should consider diversifying sources to mitigate supply risks. The surge in exports noted in January 2025 [news.metal.com] and stable trade frameworks like the EU-Chile agreement [taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu] support continued growth, so players should invest in logistics and long-term contracts to secure supply.

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

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

The Chile Lithium Carbonate Export market under HS Code 283691 in July 2025 is defined by two core price drivers. First, product quality differentiation creates pricing tiers, with a dominant standard grade at ~8 USD/kg and a premium grade at ~10.66/kg. Second, extreme buyer and geographic concentration amplifies geopolitical and demand risks, as China and high-volume buyers control over 70% of trade. This structure gives Chilean producers strong pricing power but creates supply chain vulnerability. The implication is a need for supply security through diversified partnerships and optimized logistics to serve both bulk and premium segments efficiently.

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

• Monitor buyer transaction frequency data monthly to anticipate order cycles from dominant high-volume partners, preventing inventory gaps or overstock during demand shifts.
• Track HS Code sub-level exports (28369130 vs. 28369140) to identify premium grade demand trends and adjust production focus toward higher-margin segments.
• Use real-time trade flow analytics to detect emerging buyers outside core markets like China and South Korea, reducing dependency on concentrated demand sources.
• Leverage tariff data under frameworks like the EU-Chile agreement to secure cost advantages for diversified export routes, strengthening supply chain resilience against geopolitical disruptions.

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 July?

Chile's lithium carbonate exports surged in July 2025, with a 20.6% value increase and 40.1% volume rebound from June, reflecting recovery from earlier declines. This volatility aligns with production cycles and strong global demand, particularly from electric vehicle battery manufacturers.

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

China dominates with 57.37% of export value, followed by South Korea, together accounting for over 97% of trade. Smaller shares go to Japan, the UK, the US, and Germany for specialized industrial needs.

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

Price differences stem from product grades: bulk-standard lithium carbonate (sub-code 28369130) trades at ~8.04 USD/kg, while premium-grade (sub-code 28369140) commands 10.66 USD/kg, reflecting quality differentiation.

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

Exporters must prioritize relationships with high-value, high-frequency buyers (72.78% of trade) to ensure stability, while monitoring risks from over-reliance on China and South Korea.

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

Buyers in China and South Korea benefit from stable bulk supply but face concentration risks; smaller importers should secure niche-grade contracts or diversify sources.

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

It is primarily used as a raw material for lithium-ion batteries, especially in electric vehicles, with bulk grades for mass production and premium grades for high-performance applications.