SMM Analysis: LiPF6 Prices Keep Rising as Lithium Carbonate Price Rebound Triggers Raw Material Shortages

SHANGHAI, May 18 (SMM) – Recently, the transaction price of lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) has been rising continuously, mainly driven by supply shortage.

Previously, LiPF6 prices slumped as a result of sharply falling lithium carbonate prices and intensified market competition, forcing LiPF6 producers to slash production massively in order to clear inventories.

By late April, LiPF6 inventory had dropped to a low level, and at the same time lithium carbonate prices showed signs of rising. Due to the uncertainty about the price trend of lithium carbonate, LiPF6 enterprises remained cautious about purchasing raw materials.

However, as the prices of lithium carbonate and lithium fluoride continued to rebound, lithium carbonate and lithium fluoride producers began to hold back cargoes in hopes of selling them at higher prices in the future.

Hence, it has become more difficult for LiPF6 enterprises to purchase raw materials. This hindered LiPF6 production, lifting its prices.

As of May 16, the average price of SMM LiPF6 was 135,000 yuan/mt, an increase of 49,500 yuan/mt from April 28.