[6.9 Lithium Battery News] Ministry of Commerce Responds: Current Price Commitment Consultations Between China and EU on EV Case Have Entered Final Stage

Published: Jun 9, 2025 09:01

[Dazhong Mining: Geological Environment Protection and Land Reclamation Plan for the Tongtianmiao Ore Block in the Jijiaoshan Mining Area of the Lithium Mine Passes Expert Review]Dazhong Mining announced that the "Geological Environment Protection and Land Reclamation Plan for the Tongtianmiao Ore Block in the Jijiaoshan Mining Area, Linwu County, Hunan Province," compiled by its wholly-owned grand subsidiary Chenzhou Chengtai, recently passed the expert review by the Ministry of Natural Resources. (Cailian Press)

[Mexico's Auto Parts Industry: US Tariffs Threaten the Operation of North America's Automotive Industry Chain]The Mexican National Auto Parts Industry Association (INA) issued a statement on June 6 local time, stating that the US decision to raise import tariffs on steel and aluminum to 50% may jeopardize the continuous operation of North America's automotive industry chain. The association expressed concern in the statement about the US government's decision to increase import tariffs on steel and aluminum derivatives produced in Mexico from 25% to 50%. According to the association's assessment, this move will affect the competitiveness of Mexico's auto parts industry, disrupt the stability of North America's highly integrated supply chain, and impact automotive production across the region. (Cailian Press)

[Ministry of Commerce: Currently, Price Commitment Consultations Between China and the EU on the EV Case Have Entered the Final Stage, but Both Sides Still Need to Make Efforts]A spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce answered questions from reporters regarding Minister Wang Wentao's talks with Valdis Dombrovskis, the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, during his visit to France. Question: Are there any new developments in the price commitment consultations on the anti-subsidy case for electric vehicles (EVs)? Can you provide the latest information? Answer: Minister Wang Wentao and Commissioner Dombrovskis held professional and in-depth discussions on the EV case, pushing it a significant step forward towards a proper resolution. Currently, price commitment consultations between China and the EU on the EV case have entered the final stage, but both sides still need to make efforts. The EU proposed exploring new technical paths simultaneously, and China will assess the feasibility of the EU's proposal from legal and technical perspectives. Both sides instructed their working teams to intensify efforts to find a mutually acceptable solution that complies with their respective legal provisions and WTO rules, and properly resolve trade disputes.

[CAAM: Export Value of Auto Parts Products Reached $8.02 Billion in April, Up 6.3% YoY]According to data compiled by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) from the General Administration of Customs, in April 2025, the export value of auto parts products reached $8.02 billion, down 3.7% MoM but up 6.3% YoY. From January to April 2025, the cumulative export value of auto parts products reached $31 billion, up 4.8% YoY. (Cailian Press)

[China Automobile Dealers Association: New Car Price Wars Continue, Price Reductions May Suppress the Activity of the Used Car Market]The China Automobile Dealers Association and Jingzhengu jointly released the "Research Report on China's Auto Retention Rate for May 2025."The report points out that the supply of used cars has shown signs of weakness, prompting the industry to readjust its growth expectations. The duration of the used car market rally, stimulated by trade-in subsidies, is difficult to predict. When considering prices, the price war for new cars in May and June continues, and price reductions may dampen the activity in the used car market. From a product perspective, after a batch of new car models are launched, older models do not quickly flood the used car market. Instead, the actual used car transactions involve more older vehicles. (Cailian Press)

[Changan Auto's Zhu Huarong: Firmly Opposes Vicious Competition Without Moral or Legal Boundaries] Zhu Huarong, Chairman of Changan Auto, stated that the company firmly opposes vicious competition without moral or legal boundaries. Changan Auto promises that, no matter how fierce the competition is, all its brands will adhere to the company's bottom lines and principles, which means unwaveringly ensuring the safety, quality, and long-term sustainable service of its products. The company will never participate in competition by harming the interests of users. Instead, it will adhere to legal compliance in global market competition and persist in enhancing efficiency through measures such as group-wide operations, cost reduction through scale, and the development of common platforms. (Cailian Press)

Related Reading:

Quotes for cobalt-related products continue to fall, with Co3O4 prices dropping by 7,650 yuan in a single week. Will the decline stop next week? [Weekly Observation]

[SMM Analysis] Rio Tinto and Codelco Join Forces to Enter the Lithium Triangle, Investing $900 Million to Develop a World-Class Salt Lake Project

[SMM Analysis] Separator Prices Remain Stable

[SMM Analysis] Raw Material Costs Drag Prices Down, with Potential for a Rebound During the Policy Window Period

The battery and solid-state battery sectors strengthen again, with multiple automakers announcing the latest progress. Lopal shares hit the daily limit for nearly six consecutive trading days. [Hot Stock]

[SMM Analysis] Cathode Material Production in May Increased MoM, While Downstream End-Use Demand Growth Remained Sluggish

[SMM Analysis] Anode Material Production in May Increased Due to Rising Demand

[SMM Analysis] Co3O4 Production in May Increased MoM, with Most Industry Players Adopting a Cautious Wait-and-See Attitude

Quotes for cobalt-related products collectively "fall," while cobalt chloride smelters maintain firm quotes. Will prices remain high and volatile in the future? [Weekly Observation]

[SMM Analysis] The Impact of US Tariffs on China on the Export Methods and Prices of Chinese ESS Battery Cells to the US - An Exploration of Three Methods: "Direct Export from China, Re-export via Malaysia, and US Domestic Production" (Part I)

[SMM Analysis] The Impact of US Tariffs on China on the Export Methods and Prices of Chinese ESS Battery Cells to the US - An Exploration of Three Methods: "Direct Export from China, Re-export via Malaysia, and US Domestic Production" (Part II)

[SMM Analysis] The Impact of US Tariffs on China on the Export Methods and Prices of Chinese ESS Battery Cells to the US - An Exploration of Three Methods: "Direct Export from China, Re-export via Malaysia, and US Domestic Production" (Part III)

[SMM Analysis] New Breakthrough in Lithium Battery Technology: Can a Single Injection Extend Battery Life?

[SMM Analysis] Lithium battery recycling procurement continued to decline in May, potentially becoming the sluggiest of the year

[SMM Analysis] In May, the production of ternary cathode material increased by 3.52% MoM

[SMM Analysis] In May, the production of ternary cathode precursor decreased by 3.99% MoM

Summary of China's LFP Market in May and Outlook for June [SMM Lithium Battery Market Analysis]

[SMM Analysis] In May 2025, the total domestic lithium carbonate production of SMM decreased by 2% MoM and increased by 15% YoY

[SMM Analysis] In May, the production of lithium hydroxide remained stable and slightly strong on a MoM basis, with the expected flat trend unchanged in June

[SMM Analysis] In May, the production of ternary cathode precursor decreased by 3.99% MoM

[SMM Analysis] In May, the supply and demand of iron phosphate remained stable, with potential price adjustments in June amid efforts to boost sales volume

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

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[6.9 Lithium Battery News] Ministry of Commerce Responds: Current Price Commitment Consultations Between China and EU on EV Case Have Entered Final Stage - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)