Lithium Carbonate Smelters Suspend Shipment And Order Intake Amid Chronic Downturn 

SMM data showed that the battery-grade lithium carbonate price index fell by 442 yuan/mt to 96,970 yuan/mt on December 25, with prices ranging from 94,000 yuan/mt to 104,000 yuan/mt, averaging at 99,000 yuan/mt, down 500 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. Industrial-grade prices were between 88,000 and 92,000 yuan/mt, averaging 90,000 yuan/mt, down 500 yuan/mt.
Downstream battery cell makers cut cathode material orders, likely reducing NCM and LFP production in January, leading to low purchasing interest in lithium salts.
On the supply side, many salt factories are halting shipping and orders, with few remaining open; the market is expected to stay weak short-term.