Lithium
EU import reliance for processed lithium is 100%. From 2016 to 2020, EU mining capacity covered about 8% of demand and EU refining none of it.
Figures
Lithium in four figures
EU import reliance
100%
net imports as a share of EU apparent consumption
Source: European Commission, 2023 study (2016 to 2020)
World processing
74%
China’s share of world lithium processing, 2025
Source: IEA 2026; USGS 2026
Main EU source
79%
Chile. Next is Switzerland with 7%; it trades lithium but does not mine it.
Source: European Commission, 2023 study
EU demand
5,000t Li
in 2019, as lithium content
Source: SCRREEN, lithium factsheet
Data as of 27 October 2026
Supply in Europe
Europe’s own supply
EU capacity as a share of EU lithium demand, 2016 to 2020.
- EU demand100%
- EU extraction capacityAbout 8%
- EU processing capacity0%
- EU recycling capacity0%
One grain is 1% of EU lithium demand. Source: European Court of Auditors, Special report 04/2026, capacity 2016 to 2020
Outlook
What comes next
- Projects due by 2030
- 26% of 2030 demand
- Known resources
- More than 2,000 years of the EU’s 2019 demand
- EU Strategic Projects
- The Commission says the 106 projects selected so far could fully meet the 2030 extraction, processing and recycling benchmarks for lithium.
Sources: USGS 2026 (resources); SCRREEN (2019 demand); European Commission, selections of March 2025, June 2025 and October 2026; summed by Hercinia. Resources are not reserves.
Origin
Where lithium comes from
Use
Where lithium is used
Electric car
About
9kg
of lithium in a 75 kWh NMC battery
Source: IEA, The Role of Critical Minerals in Clean Energy Transitions (2021)
Battery imports
€28.5bn
EU imports of lithium-ion batteries in 2025, 90% by value from China
Source: Eurostat Comext
Events
Events and measures
- 1 Jan 2027
- Zimbabwe
Ban on lithium concentrate exports is due to take effect.
Source: Zimbabwe Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, reported by Reuters
- Apr 2026
- Zimbabwe
Introduces export quotas for lithium concentrate. Producers must commit to timelines for lithium sulphate plants before shipments resume.
Source: Zimbabwe Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, reported by Reuters
- Feb 2026
- Zimbabwe
Suspends exports of raw minerals and lithium concentrate with immediate effect. Zimbabwe mines about 10% of the world’s lithium.
Source: Zimbabwe Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, reported by Reuters; share of world mining: USGS 2026
- Aug 2023
- European Union
Battery Regulation enters into force. From August 2031, EV and industrial batteries must contain at least 6% recycled lithium.
Source: EUR-Lex, Regulation (EU) 2023/1542
- European Commission, Study on the critical raw materials for the EU (2023)
- European Court of Auditors, Special report 04/2026, Critical raw materials for the energy transition
- IEA, Global Critical Minerals Outlook 2026
- USGS, Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026
- IEA, The Role of Critical Minerals in Clean Energy Transitions (2021)
- SCRREEN, lithium factsheet
- European Commission, press release IP/26/2113, 9 October 2026
- Eurostat Comext, extra-EU imports 2025
- EUR-Lex, Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 (Battery Regulation)
- Zimbabwe Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, statements of February and April 2026, reported by Reuters
- MOFCOM, export control announcements, 2023 to 2025
