China establishes complete supply system for lithium products
China has successfully built a comprehensive supply system for lithium products, according to the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association. The announcement was made during a press conference held on October 29 in Beijing.
From January to September 2025, China produced approximately 588,000 metric tons (about 648,000 US tons) of lithium carbonate and around 303,000 metric tons (roughly 334,000 US tons) of lithium hydroxide. These figures place China at the top of global rankings for key lithium product output.
The country's lithium-ion battery industry now features a complete and large-scale industrial chain, covering the full lifecycle from resource development to recycling. This includes upstream raw material extraction, midstream processing, and downstream applications in batteries and energy systems.
China's booming new energy vehicle (NEV) and energy storage markets have created vast opportunities for technological innovation and industrial expansion. In 2024 alone, NEV production and sales each surpassed 12 million units, maintaining China's position as the global leader in this sector for the tenth consecutive year.
The China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association is a national organization that oversees the development and regulation of China's nonferrous metals sector. It plays a key role in promoting industrial standards, technological advancement, and sustainable growth across the lithium supply chain.
