New spodumene concentrate prices reflect changing quality of EV battery inputs

SINGAPORE, Dec. 16, 2025 — Global energy and commodity pricing agency Argus has broadened its lithium market reporting by introducing the first global price assessments for the most common grade of spodumene concentrate in China and Australia.

These weekly price assessments cover 5-5.5% grade spodumene concentrate imported into China and shipped from Australia. As a primary source for lithium compounds, spodumene is vital for manufacturing electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Fluctuations in its price can influence the complete supply chain.

The new prices will work alongside Argus’ current assessment for a 6% grade, delivering more extensive market coverage.

Intensive mining over many years has led to a gradual reduction in the average quality of extracted spodumene. Consequently, price benchmarks for higher-grade material have become less indicative of the full spectrum of market demand.

Adrian Binks, chairman and chief executive of Argus Media, stated: “In collaboration with the industry, we have created this new price to mirror the changing dynamics of extraction and trade. Our expanding coverage of battery materials in recent years offers the EV sector greater transparency, aiding sound and efficient investment choices.”

Spodumene is a fundamental raw material for EV and energy storage batteries, making it a strategic pillar of the renewable energy sector. Australia serves as the largest global supplier, and China is the biggest processor and consumer, representing approximately 70% of the world’s lithium chemical processing capacity.

Argus contact information

London: Seana Lanigan
+44 20 7780 4200

Houston: Matt Oatway
+1 713 968 0000

Singapore: Tomoko Hashimoto
+65 6496 9960

About Argus Media

Argus is a top independent source of market intelligence for global energy and commodity markets. The company provides crucial price assessments, news, analytics, consulting, data science tools, and industry conferences to bring clarity to complex and opaque commodity markets.

With its headquarters in London and a workforce of nearly 1,500, Argus is an independent media organization operating from 30 offices in major global commodity trading centers.

Organizations in 160 countries, including companies, trading firms, and governments, rely on Argus data for decision-making, analysis, risk management, trade facilitation, and strategic planning. Argus prices are recognized as trusted benchmarks worldwide for pricing energy, commodities, and transportation.

Established in 1970, Argus is a privately held UK company owned by its employee shareholders and the global growth equity firm General Atlantic.

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SOURCE Argus Media