[SMM Analysis] The Last Weekly Lithium Ore Market Review of the Year of the Dragon

This week, lithium ore prices saw a slight increase overall. On the spodumene side, the relatively high prices from last week's Australian ore auction led to higher quotes for lithium concentrates both domestically and internationally this week. Small and medium-sized suppliers, constrained by long-distance logistics at this stage, mostly stood firm on quotes without releasing shipments. Some smelters showed strong purchase willingness but were limited by losses, resulting in a gap between their psychological price levels and those of sellers, leading to sluggish overall transactions. On the lepidolite side, large lepidolite suppliers conducted auctions and released shipments this week. Most non-integrated lithium chemical plants showed strong purchase willingness, but due to bidding restrictions and high transaction prices, some lithium chemical plants failed to secure successful bids, leaving the overall market's ore shortage unresolved. Small and medium-sized suppliers, with varying supply volumes, stability, and quality, referenced auction prices in their quotes, but overall transactions remained average. Lepidolite prices saw a slight increase WoW.