[SMM New Energy] TÜV Rheinland Officially Approved as a Notified Body Under the EU Battery Regulation

[Nine Departments: Expand Supply of High-Quality Goods at Fair Prices, Strongly Support NEVs and Other Products Going to Rural Areas] Opinions of the Ministry of Commerce and Eight Other Departments on Further Stimulating the Vitality of Lower-Tier Markets and Boosting County-Level Consumption. The opinions state that the supply of high-quality goods at fair prices will be expanded. Enterprises are encouraged to actively introduce high-quality goods into county-level markets, launch new products simultaneously in counties where conditions permit, and promote “same quality, same access” for identical products in urban and rural areas. Enterprises are guided to develop high-quality products suited to county-level consumption characteristics, and trade and circulation enterprises are supported in building flexible supply chains through “own brands + demand-based production.” Strong support will be given to NEVs, green and smart products, green building materials, and other products going to rural areas, and the coverage of rural charging facilities will be expanded.

[SMM Daily Review: Lithium Carbonate Spot Prices Edged Up on August 18] SMM battery-grade lithium carbonate spot prices edged up slightly today from the previous working day. The lithium carbonate 2701 contract opened higher at 155,000 yuan/mt today. After the open, bull funds quickly drove prices higher, and prices shot up to 157,800 yuan/mt to hit a fresh intraday high before consolidating and pulling back. In the morning session, prices fluctuated around the average price line, with the center gradually shifting lower. Around midday, prices accelerated downward to 152,700 yuan/mt. In the afternoon, prices consolidated and rebounded, quickly rallying to around 155,400 yuan/mt near the close, and eventually closed up 0.62% at 155,400 yuan/mt, while open interest increased by 8,584 lots. In the spot market, downstream players made just-in-time procurement on dips, while purchasing sentiment remained cautious, with some purchase price indications still anchored near 150,000 yuan/mt. As prices consolidated higher, upstream lithium chemical plants showed greater willingness to hedge, and spot order shipments remained slightly active. Overall, market inquiries and actual transactions were relatively mediocre.