Spodumene shipments, a lithium-containing mineral essential for battery production, have become one of the fastest-growing sectors of maritime trade. According to a new report, the volume of spodumene shipments reached 4.04 million tons in the first 9 months of 2026, indicating an 11.9 percent growth compared to last year and a record for this period.
Significant Growth in Spodumene Exports
Annual spodumene exports have risen from 1.58 million tons in 2020 to 5.08 million tons last year. This remarkable increase is driven by the rapid expansion of lithium mining and the growing demand from electric vehicle manufacturers and battery storage projects.
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Australia, as the largest producer of this material, accounted for 81 percent of total spodumene exports in the first 9 months of this year, equivalent to 3.26 million tons. Brazil ranks second with 570,000 tons, while smaller amounts from Canada, Mozambique, and Vietnam also enter this market.
China as the Main Destination
China is firmly recognized as the main destination for spodumene exports, with 88 percent of global maritime spodumene shipments, equivalent to 3.56 million tons, sent to this country. This highlights China's dominant position in lithium processing and battery production.
The spodumene trade has also created new job opportunities for small bulk carriers. Ultra-max vessels account for 39.6 percent of the deadweight of the ships used in these shipments, while medium-sized vessels make up another 46 percent.
With the expansion of lithium production in Africa, new trade routes are also being developed. Last week, Kodal Minerals confirmed that the fifth shipment of 17,400 tons of spodumene concentrate was sent from the port of San Pedro in Ivory Coast in September, with materials transported from the Bougouni mine in Mali to China.
Consulting firm Drewry has emphasized that lithium-containing ores are recognized as an emerging source of ton-mile demand, especially for small bulk carriers, as energy transition gradually redefines traditional cargo flows.
The Australian government has forecast that global lithium demand will grow by more than 11 percent annually by 2031, supporting electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
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