SMM Daily: Carbonate Lithium Prices Rise Amid Market Jitters Over Production Rumors

[SMM Daily Commentary: Carbonate Lithium Price Rises on September 12]

The SMM battery-grade lithium carbonate index price stands at RMB 73,451 per ton, up RMB 424 per ton from the previous working day; the price range for battery-grade lithium carbonate is RMB 72,300-75,300 per ton, with an average price of RMB 73,800 per ton, an increase of RMB 400 per ton from the previous working day; the price range for industrial-grade lithium carbonate is RMB 69,000-70,300 per ton, with an average price of RMB 69,650 per ton, also up RMB 400 per ton from the previous working day. Sentiment in the spot market for lithium carbonate has been influenced by rumors of production fluctuations in a certain region, prompting some upstream lithium salt plants to subsequently raise their quotations. The spot transaction focus for material factories with rigid downstream demand has shifted significantly upwards, while the remaining material factories are still holding onto the lower price points from the previous period. The psychological expectations for transaction prices between upstream and downstream continue to diverge. Combining the actual supply and demand situation and cumulative inventory levels for the month, spot prices for lithium carbonate may continue to fluctuate within a range.