China's Lithium Carbonate Imports Sky-Rocketed YoY in both Volume and Price in July

[SMM Analysis] Separator Market Prices Remain Stable Overall

[SMM Analysis: Downstream Stocking Boosts LiPF6 Demand, Supply Growth Release Remains Slow] In September 2026, China's LiPF6 production continued to edge up, with monthly production up about 3.4% MoM from August and up about 59% YoY. The overall supply release pace remained slow, and the tight supply-demand balance persisted.

Prices in the second-life application market edged down this week, with trading sentiment remaining sluggish. The broad weakening of raw materials on the cost side was the main driver behind this round of price adjustments. The cost side shifted notably lower overall, with raw materials weakening across the board. This week, lithium carbonate fell markedly, cobalt sulphate pulled back sharply, and nickel sulphate extended its earlier weakness. The synchronized softening of the three core raw materials continued to erode cost support for second-life products. On the supply side, conditions remained generally stable, with smooth circulation of goods across all categories and no concentrated release or tightening of supply. The supply side was relatively neutral, and suppliers gradually lowered their quotes as costs eased. On the demand side, the subdued pattern persisted, with downstream purchase willingness remaining weak. The transmission of raw material prices has not yet fully taken hold, but the sharp cost fluctuations have already pushed transaction prices lower, while also intensifying wait-and-see sentiment in the market, with insufficient follow-through in transactions.