⚗️ Minor & Specialty

Lithium Price Today

Lithium carbonate and hydroxide used in EV batteries, ceramics, and pharmaceuticals.

Last updated: May 18, 2026

11,735.62
USD/MT
+0.37%
24h change
-0.91%
7-day change
+3.84%
30-day change
30-Day Price Trend
About Lithium

Lithium is the lightest metal and a critical input for rechargeable batteries. Demand is driven by electric vehicle adoption and stationary energy storage. Prices are not exchange-traded and are set by direct contract.

Common Grades & Types
Lithium Carbonate (Li₂CO₃)
Battery-grade: >99.5% purity. Used in LFP and some NMC cathodes.
Lithium Hydroxide (LiOH)
Battery-grade: >56.5% LiOH. Used in high-nickel NMC and NCA cathodes.
Spodumene Concentrate (SC6)
Lithium ore concentrate (~6% Li₂O), feedstock for downstream processing.
Key Applications
  • EV battery cathodes (dominant and rapidly growing use)
  • Stationary grid storage
  • Consumer electronics (laptops, phones)
  • Specialty greases and lubricants
  • Glass and ceramics
What Drives Lithium Prices
  • 1EV adoption rates globally
  • 2Brine vs hard rock production costs
  • 3Chinese demand and inventory
  • 4South American brine supply (Lithium Triangle)
  • 5Australian spodumene supply
  • 6Battery recycling supply (black mass)
Frequently Asked Questions

Historical Prices
Last 30 days — USD/MT
DatePriceDaily Change
May 18, 202611,735.62+0.37%
May 17, 202611,692.04+1.71%
May 16, 202611,495.48-1.91%
May 15, 202611,719.57-2.04%
May 14, 202611,963.68+1.60%
May 13, 202611,775.43-1.73%
May 12, 202611,982.26+1.17%
May 10, 202611,843.54+1.76%
May 9, 202611,638.23-1.07%
May 8, 202611,763.82-0.82%
May 7, 202611,861.04-1.08%
May 6, 202611,990.72-1.94%
May 5, 202612,227.57+1.61%
May 4, 202612,033.31+1.11%
May 3, 202611,901.26-0.05%
May 2, 202611,906.95+1.84%
May 1, 202611,692.12-0.59%
Apr 30, 202611,761.48+1.27%
Apr 29, 202611,614.36-1.97%
Apr 28, 202611,847.67+0.07%
Apr 27, 202611,839.97+1.92%
Apr 26, 202611,616.46+2.05%
Apr 24, 202611,383.62+1.82%
Apr 23, 202611,180.17+1.34%
Apr 22, 202611,032.70-1.22%
Apr 21, 202611,169.47-1.78%
Apr 20, 202611,371.37+0.62%
Apr 19, 202611,301.32
Current Price
11,735.62
USD/MT
24h
+0.37%
7d
-0.91%
30d
+3.84%
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Prices are indicative and updated daily. Not for use as binding contract prices.