China’s spot lithium price surged 22% in the first half of 2026, as energy storage emerged as a fresh demand driver alongside the expansion of data centers and renewable power. Tianqi Lithium and Ganfeng Lithium both reported their strongest profit margins in three years, while improving earnings across the sector have reignited dealmaking and accelerated efforts to build out the US supply chain. Below is a look at notable lithium stocks and ETFs.
The global refined lithium supply remains highly concentrated. China controls 57% of refining capacity, followed by Chile at 15% and Argentina at 13%. On the raw material side, Australia accounts for 33% of supply, China 23%, and Chile 12%. The International Energy Agency ranks lithium at the highest level of supply risk and price volatility.
For years, rapid capacity expansion in major producing countries created oversupply and depressed prices, discouraging new investment. That dynamic began to change in 2026. The 22% rise in China’s spot price during the first half was fueled in part by stronger energy storage demand. A Bloomberg report in August noted that lithium companies across China, Australia, and the United States generally expect prices to remain firm in the coming months and years. LG Energy Solution signed a ten-year agreement with Smackover Lithium to purchase 8,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium carbonate annually starting in 2029, a milestone for US domestic supply.
Risks have not disappeared. S&P Global reported last month that average price assumptions in 180 feasibility studies for 2025 were more than double the spot price, pointing to elevated valuation risk. UBS analysts wrote on August 24 that supply growth could outpace demand from 2027. Jefferies also cautioned that market expectations may run ahead of the spot market.
Albemarle (ALB)：The world’s largest lithium producer operates brine and hard-rock assets in Chile, Australia, and the United States, producing both lithium carbonate and hydroxide. Its processing network spans Europe, Australia, China, Chile, and the US. Beyond lithium, Albemarle makes catalysts and bromine products used in pharmaceuticals and other industries. In the third quarter of 2025, net revenue was approximately $1.3 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of $225.6 million, up nearly 7% year over year. Operating cash flow rose 57% to $356 million. The company posted a pre-tax net loss of about $58 million, or an adjusted loss of $0.19 per share.
Sigma Lithium (SGML)：This Canadian producer focuses on carbon-neutral lithium for electric vehicles. Its Grota do Cirilo project in Brazil produces “Quintuple Zero Green Lithium” without high-pollution power, toxic chemicals, potable water, or carbon emissions. The subsidiary Sigma Brazil covers 185 square kilometers and is wholly owned by the company. Third-quarter revenue came in at C$39.3 million, with positive cash flow.
Lithium Americas (LAC)：A Canadian resource company that owns 100% of the Thacker Pass project in Nevada. In October 2024, it received a $2.26 billion loan from the US Department of Energy to support project development. Thacker Pass is expected to produce up to 40,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate per year. As of September 30, 2025, the company held $385.6 million in cash. Net losses widened year over year, partly due to higher standalone operating costs.
Atlas Lithium (ATLX)：A mineral exploration company with the largest lithium mineral rights portfolio in Brazil among publicly listed firms. Its flagship Neves Project aims to produce high-quality lithium for the EV market. Revenue in the fourth quarter of 2024 was $667,000, up from zero a year earlier. The pre-tax loss in the first quarter of 2025 was $10.2 million, about 20% narrower than the same period the previous year.
Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF：The fund invests in lithium producers and lithium battery manufacturers. By geography, China accounts for 33.4% of holdings and the United States 12.9%. As of January 28, 2026, the top ten holdings included Rio Tinto at 20.65%, Albemarle 6.57%, Naura Technology 4.12%, SQM 3.89%, Panasonic 3.78%, Ganfeng Lithium 3.70%, Contemporary Amperex Technology 3.68%, Samsung SDI 3.65%, Tesla 3.59%, and Pilbara Minerals 3.45%.
Global X Battery Tech & Lithium ETF (ACDC)：Listed in Australia, this ETF invests in battery and lithium mining companies worldwide. Country exposure is 42.5% United States, 13.5% China, 12.8% Japan, 12.7% Australia, and 20.5% elsewhere. As of January 28, 2026, the top ten holdings were Sigma Lithium 4.65%, Liontown 4.13%, Albemarle 3.64%, Pilbara Minerals 3.32%, SQM 3.15%, Mineral Resources 2.95%, AMG Critical Materials 2.88%, Ivanhoe Electric 2.85%, Elevra Lithium 2.72%, and Energy Vault 2.69%.
The rebound in lithium prices has opened a window for US supply chain development, but longer-term supply-demand shifts and price volatility remain key uncertainties. Investors can gain exposure through individual miners or ETFs, while keeping an eye on valuation gaps and the possibility of faster supply growth after 2027.
