China’s Lithium Carbonate Output Recovered Noticeably In May And On Track To Grow Further In June Amid Optimistic Market Expectations

Published: Jun 8, 2023 10:49

Source: SMM

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SHANGHAI, Jun 8 (SMM) – Below is SMM’s exclusive data on China’s lithium carbonate output in May and forecast for June.

China’s lithium carbonate output stood at 33,382 mt in May, up 14% MoM and 14% YoY.

Despite maintenance by some smelters, growing spodumene supply enabled the total output of spodumene-based battery-grade lithium carbonate to increase. Some lepidolite-based smelters returned to profit-making territory and lepidolite production increased, significantly driving up the output of lepidolite-based lithium carbonate smelters. In addition, salt lake -based smelters saw significant growth in their output, whereas scrap-based smelters reported only mild production growth.

Driven by brisk lithium ore purchases and optimistic market expectations, SMM estimates that China’s lithium carbonate output will climb 11% MoM and 17% YoY to 36,982 mt in June.

Market review

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

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