China lithium carbonate production rose in November, and annual output is projected to soar 30.47% to 456,900 mt

November saw domestic lithium carbonate production at 43,100 mt, up 6.6% MoM and 17.58% YoY. From January to November, production reached 416,100 mt, up 31.94% YoY. This rise is due to increased output produced from lepidolite and spodumene after a production dip and maintenance in September and October, with recovery at month-end. New enterprise ramp-ups also helped. However, production from salt lakes and recycled scrap fell due to seasonal factors and cost inversion issues, respectively, challenging production sustainability.

Heading into December, some smaller Jiangxi lithium salt producers, reliant on purchased lithium ore, have paused production for maintenance amid losses and less subcontracting work. A few may restart within the month. Major smelters using spodumene and lepidolite are running steadily, with no short-term maintenance planned.

Salt lake lithium operations face minor seasonal declines, and recycling companies’ production keeps falling due to cost inversion effects. December's domestic lithium carbonate output is expected at 40,800 mt, down 5.37% MoM but up 17.13% YoY. The annual total is projected at 456,900 mt, up 30.47% YoY.