Chile Lithium Carbonate HS283691 Export Data 2025 May Overview

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

Chile's Lithium Carbonate export (HS Code 283691) in May 2025 reveals a high-risk concentration, with China Mainland absorbing 76.8% of shipments, reflecting its dominance as the primary market for standard-grade product. The export structure shows uniform pricing, confirming commodity-grade consistency, while geopolitical reliance on China underscores supply chain vulnerability. This analysis, covering May 2025, is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database.

Chile Lithium Carbonate (HS 283691) 2025 May Export Background

What is HS Code 283691?

HS Code 283691 refers to lithium carbonates, a critical intermediate product in the global lithium supply chain. Lithium carbonates are primarily used in the production of lithium-ion batteries, which power electric vehicles (EVs), consumer electronics, and energy storage systems. The compound is also utilized in ceramics, glass manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals. Global demand for lithium carbonates remains robust, driven by the accelerating transition to renewable energy and electrification of transportation. Chile, as the world’s second-largest lithium producer, plays a pivotal role in meeting this demand, with its exports under HS Code 283691 serving as a key input for downstream industries worldwide.

Current Context and Strategic Position

The EU-Chile interim trade agreement (ITA), effective February 1, 2025, introduced streamlined origin certification procedures, impacting Chilean exports to the EU [KPMG]. This policy shift coincides with a surge in Chile’s lithium carbonate exports, which reached 25,600 metric tons in January 2025, a 27.5% month-over-month increase [Metal.com]. Chile’s dominance in the lithium market is underscored by its 61% share of U.S. intermediate lithium imports [CLC Council], reinforcing its strategic position as a global supplier. The Chile Lithium Carbonate HS Code 283691 Export 2025 May data will reflect these dynamics, highlighting the need for market vigilance amid evolving trade policies and sustained demand for battery-grade lithium.

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

Key Observations

Chile Lithium Carbonate HS Code 283691 Export in 2025 May totaled $1.71B in value and 181.02M kg in volume, marking a significant monthly decline from April's performance.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The May figures represent a 23% month-over-month drop in value and a 31% decrease in volume compared to April's $2.22B and 261.46M kg. This pullback follows three months of elevated exports, including January's 27.5% monthly surge to 25,600 metric tons [Metal News]. Lithium carbonate exports typically exhibit volatility due to production batch cycles and global battery manufacturer inventory adjustments, suggesting May's contraction may reflect temporary destocking rather than structural decline.

External Context and Outlook

The recent EU-Chile Interim Trade Agreement effective February 2025 [KPMG] has streamlined customs procedures for Chilean lithium products entering European markets. While this supports medium-term demand stability, May's dip likely reflects short-term logistical recalibration under the new rules. Chile's dominant global lithium position—accounting for 61% of U.S. intermediate imports [CLC Council]—ensures export resilience despite monthly fluctuations.

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

Product Specialization and Concentration

In May 2025, Chile's Lithium Carbonate exports under HS Code 283691 were highly concentrated, with sub-code 28369130 dominating the market. This sub-code, Carbonates; lithium carbonate, represented 92.56% of the export value and 91.84% of the weight, based on yTrade data. Its unit price of 9.52 USD per kilogram is slightly higher than other variants, pointing to a specialized or premium grade within the product range.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The other sub-codes, 28369190 and 28369140, also describe Carbonates; lithium carbonate but have lower unit prices of 8.54 and 8.75 USD per kilogram, respectively. This minor price variation suggests a market with two main tiers: a dominant premium grade and standard grades. The structure indicates that Chile Lithium Carbonate is primarily traded as a fungible bulk commodity, with exports likely tied to global indices rather than highly differentiated products.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

Chile's strong focus on the premium sub-code 28369130 provides some pricing power in the high-value segment of Lithium Carbonate exports. Market players should prioritize quality control and grade differentiation to maintain competitive advantage. The commodity nature of most exports means bulk trading strategies are key, but the premium segment offers growth opportunities. This is supported by reports of increased export volumes in early 2025 [Metal.com], reinforcing strong demand for Chile Lithium Carbonate HS Code 283691 Export in 2025 May.

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

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In May 2025, Chile's Lithium Carbonate export under HS Code 283691 was highly concentrated, with China Mainland dominating at 76.84% of value and 75.98% of weight. The close match between value and weight ratios points to a uniform product grade, typical for commodity exports like lithium carbonate. This pattern confirms China's role as the primary market for Chile's standard-grade lithium.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The top partners form three clusters: China and South Korea together capture over 95% of exports, driven by their large battery manufacturing sectors. A second group including the United States, Belgium, and Japan shows moderate volumes but slightly higher unit prices, likely for specialized industrial uses. Finally, Germany and Taiwan have minimal shares, with Taiwan's low unit price suggesting possible re-export or lower-grade applications.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

For stable supply chains, Chile should diversify beyond China to mitigate market risks. The EU-Chile trade agreement [KPMG] offers a chance to increase exports to Europe, as seen with Belgium's presence. Producers must monitor geopolitical shifts and ensure consistent quality to maintain trust with key partners.

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

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

Chile Lithium Carbonate Export 2025 May under HS Code 283691 shows a commodity-driven market. Price is set by product grade and global demand cycles. The dominant premium sub-code 28369130 commands a higher price. Heavy reliance on China and a few bulk buyers creates supply chain risk. This structure demands secure, high-volume logistics to key manufacturing hubs.

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

• Use buyer transaction data to negotiate long-term contracts with high-value clients. This secures stable revenue despite low order frequency.
• Analyze destination patterns to diversify exports beyond China. Target EU markets using the new trade agreement to reduce geopolitical risk.
• Track HS Code sub-category performance to emphasize premium-grade production. This maintains pricing power in a competitive market.
• Monitor real-time shipment data for supply chain adjustments. This prevents delays and ensures on-time delivery to major partners.

Forward-Looking Risks and Data Gaps

Market shifts in China or buyer consolidation could disrupt trade. Inconsistent data on niche buyers limits growth in diversified segments. Real-time trade intelligence is essential for rapid response to demand changes.

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 May?

The 23% month-over-month drop in value and 31% decline in volume reflect temporary destocking by global battery manufacturers, following three months of elevated exports. This volatility is typical for commodity exports tied to production cycles and inventory adjustments.

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

China Mainland dominated with 76.84% of export value, followed by South Korea, collectively capturing over 95% of shipments. The U.S., Belgium, and Japan formed a secondary cluster with moderate volumes but slightly higher unit prices.

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

The premium sub-code 28369130, priced at 9.52 USD/kg, drove higher unit prices for major buyers like China, while standard grades (8.54–8.75 USD/kg) were more common in smaller markets like Taiwan.

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

Exporters must prioritize relationships with high-value, low-frequency buyers (70% of revenue) while diversifying into EU markets under the new trade agreement to reduce reliance on China.

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

Large buyers in China and South Korea benefit from bulk commodity pricing, while niche buyers in the EU and U.S. access slightly premium grades for specialized applications.

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

It serves as a key raw material for battery manufacturing, particularly in electric vehicles and energy storage systems, traded primarily as a fungible bulk commodity.