Lithium Carbonate Prices Jumped by 1,000 yuan/mt in A Single Day, Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Prices Rose for Five Consecutive Days

SHANGHAI, Aug 3 (SMM) - On August 2, the SMM spot prices of domestic battery-grade lithium carbonate rose by 1,000 yuan/mt, reaching 466,000-477,000 yuan/mt, with an average price of 471,500 yuan/mt. 
At the same time, the spot quotations of industrial-grade lithium carbonate has also ushered in a wave of rise. As of August 2, the spot quotations of industrial-grade lithium carbonate climbed to 452,000-457,000 yuan/mt, with an average price of 454,500 yuan/mt, an increase of 1,500 yuan/mt in a single day. 
SMM survey shows that the current supply of lithium carbonate is still tight. Although overseas lithium carbonate is gradually entering the domestic market, the supply side will remain tight as the overhaul of major domestic smelters has not yet ended. The demand side is showing obvious signs of recovering. The production and sales of new energy vehicles increased month-on-month, boosting demand in the industry chain. The demand for lithium cobalt oxide from electronics sector is weak, while LFP plants are now willing to buy at the current high prices. As such, the price rise of lithium carbonate was limited.  
Prices of lithium hexafluorophosphate, one of the main raw materials for electrolytes, saw a daily rise of 500 yuan/mt in recent days. As of August 2, the spot price of lithium hexafluorophosphate climbed to 249,000-265,000 yuan/mt.  The price increase of lithium hexafluorophosphate was mainly driven by higher raw material prices.