Zimbabwe’s exports of lithium-bearing spodumene concentrate rose by 11% in 2025, reflecting higher production from the country’s expanding lithium sector. Export volumes reached about 1.13 million tonnes, up from roughly 1.01 million tonnes a year earlier, official figures showed, Reuters reported.
Despite the rise in shipments, export earnings remained broadly unchanged at around $514 million, as weaker global lithium prices offset the gains in volume. Data from the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe showed revenue edged slightly lower than in 2024, underscoring the impact of softer market conditions.
Lithium concentrate prices fell sharply through much of 2025 amid global oversupply, with prices hitting multi-year lows before recovering toward the end of the year. However, the average price for the year remained well below levels seen during the 2022 peak, limiting revenue growth despite higher output.
Zimbabwe is Africa’s largest lithium producer, with most spodumene exports destined for processing in China. Authorities have said they plan to ban raw lithium concentrate exports from 2027 as part of efforts to promote local processing and capture more value from the battery minerals supply chain.
