CITIC Securities: Zimbabwe suspends lithium exports, sector expected to surge.

According to a report by CITIC Securities, on February 25th, the Ministry of Mines in Zimbabwe issued a ban on the export of lithium ore. This policy aims to strengthen mineral supervision and promote the development of deep processing of mineral products. In 2025, 19% of China's imported lithium concentrates come from Zimbabwe, and it is expected that by 2026, Zimbabwe's lithium production will account for 12% of the global total. The ban on lithium ore exports in the country will lead to a short-term shortage of lithium carbonate supply, potentially driving up lithium prices significantly. It is recommended to focus on targets that are not affected by export policies.