Spot price of SMM cobalt lithium new energy: electrolytic cobalt price up 3000 yuan / ton

On September 15, 2026, the Science and Technology Department of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology released the Guidelines for the Construction of the Power Battery Recycling and Utilization Industry Standard System (2026 Edition) (draft for comments), soliciting public feedback from September 16 to October 15, 2026.

CAAM data shows that in August, NEV sales reached 1.643 million units, up 17.8% YoY and 5.3% MoM, with a penetration rate of approximately 60.6%. Domestic sales totaled 1.118 million units, up 10.9% MoM but down 4.6% YoY, while exports reached 526,000 units, down 5% MoM but up 1.3x YoY. Domestic passenger NEV sales were 1.015 million units, up 10.8% MoM but down 8.2% YoY, and domestic commercial NEV sales were 103,000 units, up 11.9% MoM and 56.6% YoY. From January to August, domestic NEV sales totaled 7.215 million units, down 10.8% YoY. Domestic passenger NEV sales were 6.525 million units, down 14.2% YoY, while domestic commercial NEV sales were 690,000 units, up 43.4% YoY. From January to August, NEV exports totaled 3.435 million units, up 1.2x YoY. Passenger NEV exports were 3.357 million units, up 1.3x YoY, while commercial NEV exports were 78,000 units, up 33.1% YoY.

Today, SMM battery-grade lithium carbonate spot prices continued to drift lower compared with the previous trading day. The lithium carbonate 2701 contract opened lower at 129,300 yuan/mt today. After the open, bears kept up the pressure, and prices drifted lower along the average price line, hitting an intraday low of 124,000 yuan/mt in the morning session. Around midday, bargain hunting emerged at lower levels, and prices rebounded, briefly rising to around 127,000 yuan/mt in the afternoon before meeting resistance and pulling back again. Near the close, prices moved sideways around 125,800 yuan/mt, with open interest down 1,204 lots. In the spot market, downstream buyers continued to stockpile at lower prices ahead of the September and October holidays. A small number of material producers remained cautious, with spot order purchase intentions below 125,000 yuan/mt. Upstream lithium chemical plants continued to hold spot order prices firm and held back from selling, though some high-priced offers softened slightly. Overall, market inquiries and actual transactions remained active.