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Zimbabwe Halts Lithium Exports, Shocks Global Battery Market

3/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Zimbabwe, Africa's largest lithium producer, suspended exports of raw lithium last month and moved its 2027 deadline forward.
Mines Minister Polite Kambamura said production and export volumes rose after the ban as companies rushed exports.
This decision affects Chinese battery producers relying on Zimbabwe for about 20% of their lithium concentrate.
Lithium carbonate prices rose to 178,020 yuan per tonne after the ban and eased to 159,000 yuan by March 13.

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Story summary

Zimbabwe, Africa's largest lithium producer, suspended exports of raw lithium last month and moved its 2027 deadline forward.
Mines Minister Polite Kambamura said production and export volumes rose after the ban as companies rushed exports.
This decision affects Chinese battery producers relying on Zimbabwe for about 20% of their lithium concentrate.
Lithium carbonate prices rose to 178,020 yuan per tonne after the ban and eased to 159,000 yuan by March 13.