[SMM Analysis] Stable Lithium Ore Prices in the First Week of January

This week, lithium ore prices were basically flat WoW. On the spodumene side, Australian and Brazilian mines showed no significant change in their firm stance on quotes, with prices remaining around CIF $850/mt. African ore prices, influenced by the recent sideways movement in futures prices, were mostly quoted by miners and traders based on these prices, with relatively small WoW changes. Domestic ore, affected by lower temperatures in recent months leading to higher mining costs and reduced production levels, saw increased reluctance to sell. Most shipments were made under long-term contracts, with few spot orders available.

On the lepidolite side, due to sustained demand from some high-operating-rate enterprises and the lack of significant improvement in supply, high-grade lepidolite prices remained at elevated levels with little WoW change.

For this month, lithium ore production showed some reduction WoW. On the spodumene side, production fell by approximately 17% due to lower temperatures in Sichuan and Xinjiang, while lepidolite production remained relatively stable.

In the short term, lithium ore prices are expected to fluctuate rangebound along with lithium carbonate prices.