List of lithium exporters: Chile and China leading, Argentina in the middle, and Bolivia closing the list
Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
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According to a report by Visión 360, data provided by the National Institute of Statistics (INE) and Trade Map, processed by the Bolivian Institute of Foreign Trade (IBCE), revealed that in 2023, Chile ranked as the leading lithium exporter, with $6.063 billion. The People’s Republic of China followed in second place, with $518 million. Among the 11 nations, Bolivia recorded the lowest figure among lithium carbonate-producing countries, with $14.6 million.
Continuing with the ranking, South Korea took third place with $328 million, followed by the Netherlands with $141 million. Argentina ranked fifth with $131 million, followed by the United States with $109 million, the United Kingdom with $89 million, Belgium with $73 million, Germany with $49 million, and France with $38 million.
On the other hand, in 2024, the Plurinational State of Bolivia exported $15.6 million worth of lithium carbonate, with the People’s Republic of China as its main importer, accounting for approximately 82.2% of the total, equivalent to $13 million. These exports were carried out through the port of Antofagasta and the Uyuni-Ollagüe route. Other destinations for Bolivian lithium included Latvia, representing 13% of the total, Turkey with 1.02%, and Brazil with 0.11%.
Last but not least, it is worth noting that between 2016 and 2024, Bolivia’s lithium carbonate exports totaled $79 million—an amount that countries like Belgium and the United Kingdom achieved in just one year.
Main Source:
Chile y China ocupan la cima de exportadores de litio, Bolivia está a la zaga, entre 11 países – Visión 360
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