Lithium Carbonate Prices Inched Higher amid Improving Demand

SHANGHAI, May 30 (SMM) - The prices of lithium carbonate rose slightly last week. The supply was stable, while downstream demand was gradually recovering from the pandemic, especially from LFP materials. Considering the increase in imports, the market was still in a small surplus. Market inquiries and transactions picked up, with industrial-grade lithium carbonate outperforming battery-grade lithium carbonate. More industrial-grade lithium carbonate was causticised into lithium hydroxide, whose prices were firm. Small and medium-sized smelters and traders held back their cargoes due to depleted inventory following panic sell-off and demand showing signs of recovery. The release of new LFP capacity boosted the demand for industrial-grade lithium carbonate and sub-standard battery-grade lithium carbonate.