Lithium Carbonate Output Drops MoM in April, but to Grow in May

SHANGHAI, May 16 (SMM) - Chinese battery-grade lithium carbonate output stood at 14,945 mt in April, down 11% MoM and up 5% YoY. The MoM decrease was caused by the maintenance carried out by some spodumene-based smelters and the production cuts of some lepidolite-based smelters amid raw material shortage. In May, lepidolite-based smelters will still reduce their output affected by the shortage of raw materials, but some spodumene-based smelters will resume their operations and salt lakes may ramp up their production, hence the battery-grade lithium carbonate output will increase slightly. The lithium carbonate output is estimated at 16,180 mt in May, up 8% on the month and 13% on the year.