China’s Lithium Hydroxide Output Poised To Recover Further In June With Market Betting On Demand Recovery For High-Nickel Ternary Materials

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

China’ lithium hydroxide output stood at 25,108 mt in May, up 7.4% MoM and 22% YoY. The production of some lithium hydroxide smelters recovered remarkably after being hindered by ore shortages, which more than offset output loss caused by maintenance at others. While rising industrial-grade lithium carbonate prices weakened the cost performance of causticisation process, the increase in outsourcing orders allowed the total output of causticisation-based lithium hydroxide to grow.

Market is betting on recovery of demand for high-nickel ternary materials this month. SMM estimates that China’ lithium hydroxide output will be 26,090 mt in June, up 3.9% MoM and 22% YoY.