China’s lithium prices have surged after Zimbabwe suspended exports of all raw minerals and lithium concentrates with immediate effect. The export ban has raised concerns about the stability of global raw‑material supply at a time when expectations of a boom in energy‑storage systems have driven a strong rally in lithium prices since the second half of 2025.

Zimbabwe is Africa’s largest lithium producer and exported 1.128 million tonnes of spodumene concentrate in 2025, an increase of 11% from the previous year, with the bulk of shipments destined for China.
Innocent Semosa spoke to Independent Policy Researcher and Political Economist Kevin Tutani.