[SMM Analysis] In April 2025, SMM's total domestic lithium carbonate production fell 7% MoM and rose 40% YoY

In April 2025, the total production of lithium carbonate tracked by SMM fell by 7% MoM and increased by 40% YoY. After the total output of lithium carbonate reached a record high in March, the surplus of domestic lithium carbonate further widened, and prices continued to decline. Coupled with the relatively slow decline in ore prices, some enterprises reduced or halted production to varying degrees due to cost pressures. As a result, the total domestic output decreased, although it remained at a high level.

By raw material type, the total production of lithium carbonate derived from spodumene in April decreased by 16% MoM. In addition to the reduction caused by annual routine maintenance at some lithium chemical plants, the output of some non-integrated lithium chemical plants significantly decreased due to cost pressures and a reduction in toll processing orders. Overall, the output of lithium carbonate derived from spodumene decreased significantly. Although some small and medium-sized lithium chemical plants using lepidolite had reduced production due to the continuous decline in lithium carbonate prices, the output of lithium carbonate derived from lepidolite still increased by 4% MoM, supported by strong production from leading lithium chemical plants. The rising temperatures in salt lake regions boosted lithium carbonate production, with overall output increasing by 10% MoM. Lithium chemical recycling plants still faced limited growth amid severe price inversions, relying mainly on integrated recycling plants and toll processing orders for production support, with a MoM increase of only 2%.

Looking ahead to May, with the expectation that some enterprises will resume normal production after completing routine maintenance, coupled with increased production from salt lake regions as temperatures rise, it is expected that there will be a slight increase in lithium carbonate output in May, with a growth rate of approximately 2%.