SHANGHAI, Sep 13 (SMM) –
Lithium carbonate
The prices of lithium carbonate rose slightly last week. From the perspective of supply and demand, the demand has strengthened in September. In the spot market, the operating rates of lithium salt producers increased with the end of power rationing in Sichuan and the mid-year maintenance, but most manufacturers still focused on lagged delivery for long-term orders. After the pandemic lockdown in Qinghai was gradually lifted since September 5, some local enterprises have shipped a small amount of goods to supplement the spot supply, but the overall spot supply was still relatively tight. Meanwhile, the market sentiment was bullish and traders were particularly reluctant to sell. Therefore, the lithium carbonate prices are expected to move upward.
Lithium hydroxide
The prices of lithium hydroxide inched higher last week. In terms of supply and demand, the spot supply was tight. In fact, the supply increased significantly after the overhaul and power rationing draw to an end, narrowing the supply gap compared with the previous month, but most manufacturers still mainly focused on the lagged delivery of long-term orders. Lithium hydroxide prices are expected to continue rising following lithium carbonate prices.
