China Ternary Cathode Material Precursor Output Likely to Drop 15% MoM in Apr

Published: Apr 27, 2022 13:16
According to SMM research, China's ternary cathode material precursor is expected to drop by more than 15% MoM in April.

SHANGHAI, Apr 27 (SMM) - According to SMM research, China's ternary cathode material precursor is expected to drop by more than 15% MoM in April. Top-tier precursor manufacturers’ production fell by more than 10%, and some small factories even stopped the production, mainly due to a significant drop in downstream demand.

Affected by the extensive spread of COVID in China, the operating rates of car companies fell sharply and orders for power batteries also decreased. In addition, the prices of raw materials fluctuated violently, hence ternary cathode materials and battery companies relied on their in-plant stocks and reduced the purchases, resulting in a contraction of demand for ternary cathode material precursor.

Considering that the production resumption of car companies has been less than expected for the moment, the orders for May are still at a low level. SMM will continue to observe the impact of downstream demand on the precursor market.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM's internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or for more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
SMM Daily Review: July 28 Spot Lithium Carbonate Price Drifts Lower
1 hour ago
SMM Daily Review: July 28 Spot Lithium Carbonate Price Drifts Lower
Read More
SMM Daily Review: July 28 Spot Lithium Carbonate Price Drifts Lower
SMM Daily Review: July 28 Spot Lithium Carbonate Price Drifts Lower
[SMM Daily Review: Spot Lithium Carbonate Prices Drifted Lower on July 28] SMM battery-grade lithium carbonate spot prices drifted lower from the previous working day. In the futures market, the lithium carbonate 2609 contract opened high at 146,600 yuan/mt today. After the opening, bulls briefly pushed prices, shooting the contract up to 147,700 yuan/mt, before encountering concentrated selling pressure from bears that triggered a rapid plunge. During the morning session, prices kept falling below the average price line (146,600 yuan/mt), hitting a low of 142,000 yuan/mt. Around midday, bulls and bears wrestled repeatedly within the 142,000–144,000 yuan range. In the afternoon, bulls lacked momentum for a rebound; after a brief rise, prices oscillated and pulled back again, then consolidated at lows near 143,500 yuan/mt toward the close. The contract finally closed down 1.75% at 143,500 yuan/mt, with open interest decreasing by 5,649 lots. In the spot market, as prices drifted lower, purchasing sentiment recovered among some downstream material plants that had been on the sidelines, with the sub-145,000 yuan/mt level acting as an anchor for rigid demand purchases. Upstream lithium chemical plants continued to hold prices firm. Overall, market inquiries and actual transactions were relatively active.
1 hour ago
[Xihai New Energy's A-line maintenance to cut 2,000t over 35 days]
1 hour ago
[Xihai New Energy's A-line maintenance to cut 2,000t over 35 days]
Read More
[Xihai New Energy's A-line maintenance to cut 2,000t over 35 days]
[Xihai New Energy's A-line maintenance to cut 2,000t over 35 days]
On July 27, Xinjiang Xihai New Energy New Materials Co., Ltd. announced a planned maintenance shutdown of its A-line lithium carbonate production line from July 28 to August 31, lasting 35 days, with production expected to resume on September 1. The overhaul involves repairs to core equipment such as rotary kilns and evaporators, as well as upgrades to feeding platforms and acid adjustment tanks. The shutdown is estimated to reduce output by about 2,000 tons. Existing orders will be delayed until after maintenance, while sales services remain operational.
1 hour ago
[Xinya: Limited LiPF6 Revenue Contribution]
1 hour ago
[Xinya: Limited LiPF6 Revenue Contribution]
Read More
[Xinya: Limited LiPF6 Revenue Contribution]
[Xinya: Limited LiPF6 Revenue Contribution]
Xinya Zhijie issued an unusual stock fluctuation notice. Its LiPF6 sales contributed only 1.44% of total 2025 revenue (about 9% in H1 2026), highlighting limited impact. The business faces industry policy, market cycle, and competitive risks, with uncertain future performance.
1 hour ago