[SMM Analysis] LCO: The Traditional Off-Season Loomed, and the Market Mainly Focused on Executing Long-Term Contracts

Published: Mar 19, 2026 17:57

Save

This week, LCO market prices were basically stable, with mainstream quotations for conventional grades remaining 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 disruptions in chip supply, battery cell manufacturers currently had relatively sufficient raw material inventory, and purchase willingness declined further WoW. Market transactions were mainly driven by the execution of existing long-term contract and rigid demand, with limited release of new orders. Against the backdrop of rangebound fluctuations in upstream raw materials and downstream demand yet to recover, LCO prices were expected to remain largely stable in the short term, with most market participants adopting a wait-and-see attitude pending further clarity on 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

23 mins ago

[SMM Analysis] This Week's Hydrometallurgy Recycling Market: Salt Prices Fluctuated, and Market Transactions Were Sluggish (2026.3.16-2026.3.19)

Raw material side, spot lithium carbonate prices fluctuated this week, cobalt sulphate prices remained temporarily stable, and nickel sulphate prices dropped slightly.

23 mins ago

1 hour ago

NDRC Launches a New Batch of Major Foreign-Invested Projects, with Planned Investment of $13.4 billion

The National Development and Reform Commission recently launched a new batch of 13 landmark major foreign-invested projects, with planned investment totaling $13.4 billion. The newly selected projects are mainly concentrated in manufacturing, including electronics manufacturing, chemicals, automobiles, machinery, and other sectors, accelerating the development of industrial clusters. This year marks the ninth time that the National Development and Reform Commission has updated the list of landmark major foreign-invested projects. Landmark major foreign-invested projects are characterized by large investment scale, strong industrial spillover effects, and prominent technological leadership.

1 hour ago

Chery's All-Solid-State Battery to Exceed 1,500 km Range, Aiming for Vehicle Integration in 2027

According to Gu Chunshan, Vice President of Chery Automobile, as the countdown to mass production and popularization begins, all-solid-state batteries have become the focus of attention for both the industry and users, and Chery will place no upper limit on its future investment in all-solid-state batteries. It is reported that Chery's Rhino Battery S Series 60Ah, 400Wh/kg solid-state battery uses a sulphide-based solid electrolyte system and high-nickel ternary cathode material; the 600Wh/kg solid-state battery uses an in-situ polymerization solid electrolyte system and lithium-rich manganese cathode material, with a driving range of over 1,500 km, and the company aims to carry out vehicle validation by 2027.

1 hour ago