In 2007, lithium consumption in the United States was estimated to be 2,200 metric tons (t) of contained lithium, 12% less than the estimates for 2006 and 2005. Decreased U.S. consumption was likely the result of the tight worldwide supply of lithium during the fi rst half of 2007. Increased demand for lithium from foreign battery manufactures further reduced material available for U.S. consumption. Lithium carbonate consumed and used as a raw material for other lithium compounds in the United States was produced at a domestic
brine operation in Nevada and was imported from Argentina and
Chile.