SMM Forecast on Lithium Carbonate Prices in May

SHANGHAI, May 16 (SMM) - It is expected that in May, lithium carbonate prices will bounce back. The spot supply in the market will decrease since the lithium salt factories are reluctant to ship their goods even though the downstream companies carry low raw material stocks. The cathode active material companies will still restock on rigid demand. In addition, some lithium salt plants in Jiangxi are committed to production cut plans because of the lithium ore supply shortage induced by the environmental inspections. The lithium salt suppliers, therefore, will be more unwilling to sell their spots, but the market sentiment has been boosted by the auction of the salt lake and the mine.