HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2836.91 – Carbonates; lithium carbonate
HS code 2836.91 is the 6-digit subheading for carbonates, lithium carbonate. It is used for battery-grade lithium carbonate, technical-grade lithium carbonate, pharmaceutical-grade lithium carbonate, lithium carbonate powder and lithium carbonate granules.
What HS 2836.91 covers
Lithium carbonate is a vital inorganic compound, serving as a cornerstone in the rapidly expanding lithium-ion battery industry, which powers electric vehicles and portable electronics. Beyond batteries, it's also used in ceramics, glass, and as a mood stabilizer in pharmaceuticals. International trade in lithium carbonate is dominated by countries with significant lithium reserves (brine or hard rock) and processing capabilities, supplying it to manufacturing hubs for batteries and other high-tech products. Key factors influencing its trade include purity levels (battery grade vs. technical grade), pricing volatility driven by global demand for EVs, and geopolitical considerations related to resource access. The global push for decarbonization has made this compound a strategic commodity.
- Covers
- Battery-grade lithium carbonate
- Technical-grade lithium carbonate
- Pharmaceutical-grade lithium carbonate
- Lithium carbonate powder
- Lithium carbonate granules
- Examples
- SQM Lithium Carbonate
- Albemarle Lithium Carbonate
- Ganfeng Lithium Carbonate
- Livent Lithium Carbonate
Codes often confused with 2836.91
Common mistake. This code is specific to lithium carbonate and should not be confused with other lithium compounds like lithium hydroxide (2825.20) or other carbonates (e.g., 2836.20 for sodium carbonate), which have distinct applications.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 283691, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 283691 in UN Comtrade data was Chile, with 65% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 72% of world imports. Japan reports $555M of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Chile $1.9B 65% of world exports
- 2 Argentina $650M 22% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $116M 3.9% of world exports
World total: $3.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $2.3B 72% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $338M 10% of world imports
- 3 United States $163M 5.0% of world imports
Japan reports $555M of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $3.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 2836.91
Brazil does not split HS 2836.91: its NCM code is 2836.91.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.36 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2836.91
What is HS code 283691?
HS code 283691 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Carbonates; lithium carbonate. Lithium carbonate is a vital inorganic compound, serving as a cornerstone in the rapidly expanding lithium-ion battery industry, which powers electric vehicles and portable electronics. Beyond batteries, it's also used in ceramics, glass, and as a mood stabilizer in pharmaceuticals. International trade in lithium carbonate is dominated by countries with significant lithium reserves (brine or hard rock) and processing capabilities, supplying it to manufacturing hubs for batteries and other high-tech products. Key factors influencing its trade include purity levels (battery grade vs. technical grade), pricing volatility driven by global demand for EVs, and geopolitical considerations related to resource access. The global push for decarbonization has made this compound a strategic commodity.
What products fall under HS code 283691?
Battery-grade lithium carbonate, Technical-grade lithium carbonate, Pharmaceutical-grade lithium carbonate, Lithium carbonate powder, Lithium carbonate granules
What are common misclassifications for HS code 283691?
This code is specific to lithium carbonate and should not be confused with other lithium compounds like lithium hydroxide (2825.20) or other carbonates (e.g., 2836.20 for sodium carbonate), which have distinct applications.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 283691?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 283691 in UN Comtrade data were Chile ($1.9B, 65% of world exports), Argentina ($650M) and South Korea ($116M). World exports came to about $3.0B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 283691?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 283691 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.3B, 72% of world imports), South Korea ($338M) and the United States ($163M). World imports came to about $3.3B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Japan reports $555M of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 283691 structured?
HS code 283691 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (36) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (91) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 283691?
In Brazil, HS code 283691 is NCM 2836.91.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.