【SMM Analysis】Ternary Cathode Prices Hold Steady at Low Levels, August Orders Show Stable Growth

This week, ternary cathode material prices remained largely flat, continuing their range-bound trend at a cyclical low. On the raw material front, nickel sulfate prices remained relatively soft, while cobalt sulfate prices continued to decline at a notable pace. Lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide prices maintained their low-level range-bound movement.

On the transaction front, some cathode and battery manufacturers only made small-batch need-based restocking purchases, with limited volumes. The market as a whole still holds expectations of further price declines in the near term.

On the payable front, no adjustments have been made recently to payables for nickel, cobalt, or lithium. Given the upcoming reinstatement of the lithium battery consumption tax, battery cell manufacturers may shift some cost pressures upstream, leaving limited room for upward payable adjustments.

On the demand side, August orders are showing stable growth, with demand in both domestic and overseas EV markets remaining at relatively high levels. However, no signs of recovery have yet emerged in the consumer market.