[SMM Analysis] Some Q2 Order payables Increased, and Ternary Cathode Precursor Prices Rose

[SMM Daily Review: Spot Lithium Carbonate Prices Continued to Fall on May 19] Today, SMM battery-grade spot lithium carbonate prices fluctuated downward compared to the previous working day. Futures side, the lithium carbonate 2609 contract opened high at 191,000 yuan/mt today, then quickly pulled back after the opening. During the morning session, it fluctuated downward and broke below the average price line. Around midday, it accelerated its decline to a daily low of 182,100 yuan/mt (a drop of over 5%). In the afternoon session, it rebounded slightly but struggled to rebound further, weakening again toward the close, ultimately settling down 3.71% at 184,400 yuan/mt, with open interest decreasing by 20,533 lots. Spot market, lithium carbonate prices pulled back from highs after the previous rapid rally, which notably stimulated downstream inquiries and purchasing enthusiasm. Upstream lithium chemical plants still maintained willingness to hold prices firm, and some enterprises that had hedged at previous highs increased spot order shipments to downstream buyers. Overall, inquiries and actual transactions in the spot market were active. Lithium prices are expected to have limited downside in the short term and are expected to hover at highs.

Tesla, owned by Elon Musk, will invest $250 million in its German factory to increase EV battery cell production capacity. As sales recover in the European market, Tesla is using this investment to further boost its overall output in the region. The Berlin-Brandenburg Gigafactory is Tesla's first manufacturing base in Europe. The "Gigafactory," which began production in March 2022, produces hundreds of thousands of Model Y vehicles as well as millions of battery cells — the energy storage units that power electric vehicles.

After a prolonged wave of price cuts, the automotive market has entered a rare price-hike cycle in the fiercely competitive year of 2026. Changan Automobile and BYD have both recently announced price increases on select models. Changan's Qiyuan Q07 Tianshu Intelligent Laser Edition has seen its official suggested retail price raised by 3,000 yuan, while BYD's optional add-on price for the assisted-driving laser edition on certain models will increase from 9,900 yuan to 12,000 yuan — a rise of 2,100 yuan. The announcements have sent shockwaves through the industry.