3GIMBALS

Understanding China’s Role in South America’s Lithium Supply Chain: Strategic Investments and Geopolitical Implications 

Bolivia, home to the largest lithium reserves in South America, will begin exporting lithium to China in 2025 under an early 2023 agreement

China’s lithium investments in South America are transforming global resource competition and shifting geopolitical power dynamics. By securing control over vast lithium reserves in Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile, China is advancing its green energy ambitions while undermining Western supply chain dominance. This strategic expansion raises concerns over economic leverage, resource dependency, and the long-term implications of Beijing’s growing influence in Latin America. Understanding these investments is critical to navigating the evolving landscape of global energy and security.