Lithium
Price Chart
At a Glance
Lithium is the essential material for lithium-ion batteries powering EVs, energy storage, and consumer electronics. Prices peaked above $80,000/tonne in late 2022 before correcting sharply as supply expansions in Australia, Chile, and China came online. The market is transitioning from structural deficit to temporary surplus, though long-term demand growth from EVs (~30% CAGR) is expected to absorb new supply.
Supply & Demand
Supply
Demand
Key Drivers
EV Adoption Rate
bullishEV sales are growing 25-30% annually, driving lithium demand. China, Europe, and US are the key markets.
Supply Expansion
bearishMajor mine expansions in Australia, Chile, and Argentina are adding supply faster than expected.
China Refining Dominance
neutralChina controls ~65% of lithium refining — geopolitical tension could disrupt supply chains.
Sodium-Ion Competition
bearishSodium-ion batteries are emerging as a low-cost alternative for some applications, potentially capping lithium demand.
DLE Technology
bearishDirect Lithium Extraction could unlock vast brine resources with lower environmental impact, expanding long-term supply.
IRA / Subsidies
bullishUS Inflation Reduction Act incentives for domestic battery manufacturing are supporting Western lithium investment.
Historical Returns
| Year | Annual Return | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | -8.50% | |
| 2024 | -22.00% | |
| 2023 | -75.00% | |
| 2022 | +72.50% | |
| 2021 | +280.00% | |
| 2020 | +14.00% | |
| 2019 | -32.00% | |
| 2018 | -18.00% | |
| 2017 | +45.00% | |
| 2016 | +62.00% |