SHANGHAI, May 10 (SMM) - China’s lithium carbonate output stood at 27,333 mt in April, down 9% MoM, but up 2% YoY. Due to warmer temperatures last month, the output of salt lake-based smelters increased. However, many spodumene and lepidolite-based smelters cut or halted production due to rising costs. Battery recycling market was sluggish.

In May, the rebound of lithium carbonate prices has fuelled strong bullish sentiment in the spot market. Meanwhile, market players expect demand to pick up. SMM forecasts that the domestic lithium carbonate output will stand at 33,556 mt in May, up 23% MoM and 15% YoY.