March Sees Continued Growth in China’s Lithium Industry

In March 2025, China’s lithium sector sustained its recovery and expansion, driven by resumed production lines, rising downstream demand from the new‑energy vehicle (NEV) market, and robust export performance.

Production & Supply

Lithium carbonate output climbed to approximately 66,000 t in March, up 15.1% month‑on‑month, as maintenance on several production lines was completed and capacity returned online.

Lithium hydroxide production reached about 37,000 t, a 20.9% increase compared with February.

Other lithium products: lithium chloride at 1,717 t and metallic lithium at 142 t.

On a lithium‑carbonate‑equivalent basis (LCE), total March output was about 100,000 t, up 17.0% month‑on‑month.

Top producing provinces (carbonate): Jiangxi (20,000 t), Sichuan (12,000 t), and Qinghai (10,000 t).

To ensure product integrity and transport safety, many producers now choose tinplate packaging. Our tailored tinplate battery cans offer superior protection and branding

Imports & Exports

Spodumene concentrate imports totaled 535,000 t in March, down 5.8% month‑on‑month; Australia, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe remain primary sources.

Lithium carbonate imports surged 47.0% to 18,000 t, with Chile accounting for roughly 70% of the volume; average CIF price rose to RMB 73,000/t, up 3.9%.

Lithium hydroxide exports were 4,000 t, slightly down 1.5% month‑on‑month, mainly shipped to South Korea and Japan; the export price dipped by 2.8% to RMB 95,000/t.

Price Trends

Battery‑grade lithium carbonate softened from RMB 74,500/t at month’s start to RMB 73,500/t at month’s end (–1.34%).

Industrial‑grade carbonate edged down from RMB 72,000/t to RMB 71,800/t (–0.28%).

Lithium hydroxide fell from RMB 70,500/t to RMB 68,500/t (–2.84%).

Battery‑grade lithium carbonate prices slipped from RMB 74,500/t to RMB 73,500/t. Meanwhile, as downstream brands demand higher presentation and moisture resistance, upgrading to tinplate packaging adds only USD 0.05–0.10 per unit but dramatically elevates your product’s perceived value and durability. Learn more about our cost‑benefit analysis at https://www.tinboxeschina.com/packaging-benefits.

Downstream Demand

Battery production (all chemistries) reached 118.3 GWh in March, up 18.0% month‑on‑month and 54.3% year‑on‑year; shipments totaled 115.4 GWh (+28.3% MoM, +64.9% YoY).

Of that, power batteries accounted for 87.5 GWh (+30.7% MoM, +46.9% YoY).

Installed capacity in EVs reached 56.6 GWh, surging 62.3% MoM and 61.8% YoY; Li‑iron phosphate chemistry dominated with 82.3% share.

New‑energy vehicle production hit 1.277 million units in March (+47.9% YoY), with domestic sales of 1.079 million (+42.3% YoY). NEVs now represent 44.8% of total passenger‑car sales in China.

NEV exports also performed strongly, at 158,000 units (+26.8% YoY), led by pure electric vehicles (103,000 units, +2.5% YoY).

Power battery production hit 87.5 GWh, up 30.7% MoM. With the EV market booming, every cell‑to‑module stage needs reliable packaging. Our tinplate battery boxes prevent moisture ingress, resist corrosion, and support full‑color branding.

Packaging Solutions Recommendation

To meet end‑to‑end lithium product needs, we offer:

Tinplate drums – airtight, corrosion‑resistant storage for lithium chemicals.

Printed tinplate battery cans – UV‑printable, foil‑stamping options for premium branding.

Protective foam inserts – secure fit to guard against shocks.

Explore full specs and quotes at: https://www.tinboxeschina.com/.