Lithium is a metal with high electrical conductivity, low viscosity, very light and low coefficient of thermal expansion. This gives it a high energy density and, being the lightest metal in the periodic table, allows it to store a greater electrical charge per kilogram. In this way, the accelerated expansion of electric vehicles has generated interest and demand much higher than what existed a few years ago for lithium and it is projected that between 2021 and 2030 the global demand for lithium will multiply by 4 times.
Trade is indispensable to fostering greater levels of global economic development. As the OECD has written, “No country has lifted itself out of poverty without international trade.” This category consolidates GTIPA-member reports assessing the intersection of trade and economic development.