U.S. imports of lithium oxide and hydroxide (HS 282520) totaled $1.3M in April 2026, traded with 9 countries.
Lithium hydroxide has become a critical input for the battery industry, particularly in the production of high-nickel cathode active materials used in electric vehicle and energy storage applications. Imports enter under a single tariff line (2825200000), and the heading has attracted significant trade-policy attention given lithium's designation as a critical mineral. Chile and Australia are the dominant suppliers, with China also a notable source. Supply-chain diversification and long-term offtake agreements are active concerns for battery manufacturers relying on this material.
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The US government has designated lithium a critical mineral due to its essential role in lithium-ion battery manufacturing for electric vehicles and grid storage, making supply security a national priority and influencing sourcing and trade policy decisions.
Chile and Australia are the primary foreign sources, followed by China. The geographic concentration of lithium processing capacity in these countries drives ongoing efforts by US importers to diversify supply.
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Exports
$11.9M
Imports
$1.3M
from 9 countries · YTD: $6.4M
Surplus of $10.6M (net exporter)
Trade balance: surplus of $10.6M (net exporter)
YTD: $6.4M imported (April 2026)
8 shipments/month
Monthly import values over time
URANIUM ENRICHED IN U235 ETC. PLUTONIUM ETC.
HS 284420
NATURAL URANIUM & COMPOUNDS, ALLOYS & CERAMICS ETC
HS 284410
ANHYDROUS AMMONIA
HS 281410
ALLOYS, DISPERSIONS,ISOTOPES & COMPOUNDS NES
HS 284443
ALUMINUM OXIDE, EXCEPT ARTIFICIAL CORUNDUM, NESOI
HS 281820
SULFURIC ACID; OLEUM
HS 280700
Top U.S. entry points for this product, ranked by latest-month import value.