[SMM Analysis] During the Off-Season for Consumer Electronics, the LCO Market Became More Conservative

Published: Mar 12, 2026 17:22

LCO prices remained stable this week. Mainstream quotations for conventional grades still stood above 400,000 yuan/mt, while high-voltage products held firm at the 420,000 yuan/mt threshold. Affected by the traditional off-season for consumer electronics in Q1 and the chip shortage, battery cell manufacturers currently had sufficient inventory levels, and purchase willingness declined further WoW. Most market transactions were driven by the execution of rigid demand under existing plans, and the overall trading atmosphere was subdued. Against the backdrop of rangebound fluctuations in upstream raw material prices and weak demand, LCO prices are expected to remain largely stable in the short term, with market participants generally adopting a wait-and-see attitude and awaiting changes in the subsequent demand pace.

Wang Cong 021-51666838

Ma Rui 021-51595780

Feng Disheng 021-51666714

Lv Yanlin 021-20707875

Zhou Zhicheng 021-51666711

Zhang Haohan 021-51666752

Wang Zihan 021-51666914

Wang Jie 021-51595902

Xu Yang 021-51666760

Yang Lianting 021-51595835

Wang Zhaoyu 021-51666827

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.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
[SMM Analysis] Weak Demand for Co3O4 Makes Prices Difficult to Rise or Fall
2 hours ago
[SMM Analysis] Weak Demand for Co3O4 Makes Prices Difficult to Rise or Fall
Read More
[SMM Analysis] Weak Demand for Co3O4 Makes Prices Difficult to Rise or Fall
[SMM Analysis] Weak Demand for Co3O4 Makes Prices Difficult to Rise or Fall
2 hours ago
[SMM Analysis] Activity in the Cobalt Chloride Market Declined, and the Stalemate Was Unlikely to Be Broken in the Short Term
2 hours ago
[SMM Analysis] Activity in the Cobalt Chloride Market Declined, and the Stalemate Was Unlikely to Be Broken in the Short Term
Read More
[SMM Analysis] Activity in the Cobalt Chloride Market Declined, and the Stalemate Was Unlikely to Be Broken in the Short Term
[SMM Analysis] Activity in the Cobalt Chloride Market Declined, and the Stalemate Was Unlikely to Be Broken in the Short Term
2 hours ago
[SMM Weekly Review] Energy Storage Demand Gained Momentum, and Prices of Cascaded Grade B LFP Rose First, 2026.03.09-2026.03.12
2 hours ago
[SMM Weekly Review] Energy Storage Demand Gained Momentum, and Prices of Cascaded Grade B LFP Rose First, 2026.03.09-2026.03.12
Read More
[SMM Weekly Review] Energy Storage Demand Gained Momentum, and Prices of Cascaded Grade B LFP Rose First, 2026.03.09-2026.03.12
[SMM Weekly Review] Energy Storage Demand Gained Momentum, and Prices of Cascaded Grade B LFP Rose First, 2026.03.09-2026.03.12
This week, prices for some Grade-B battery cells in the second-life battery market rose. Cost side, lithium carbonate prices fluctuated more sharply this week and showed an overall upward trend, directly pushing up battery cell production costs; nickel sulphate prices edged up, while cobalt sulphate prices remained stable, providing mild support on the cost side and lifting overall cost pressure somewhat. Supply side, the market was clearly boosted by energy storage demand, enterprises showed relatively strong willingness to sell, and circulating supply was steadily released; coupled with rising lithium carbonate prices, enterprises' expectations for higher costs strengthened, and overall pricing sentiment remained firm to slightly stronger. Demand side, demand for second-life Grade-B battery cells recovered significantly, mainly driven by the energy storage market, as downstream energy storage projects commenced and supporting demand continued to be released, noticeably boosting procurement enthusiasm.
2 hours ago
Register to Continue Reading
Gain access to the latest insights in metals and new energy
Already have an account?sign in here