[SMM Zinc Morning Review] The U.S. dollar index strengthens, zinc prices weakened

On May 17, lithium carbonate futures rose 2.45% to 106,450 yuan/ton (~14,723.37 USD/ton). The battery-grade index dropped to 106,882 yuan/ton (~14,783.13 USD/ton).

Today's lithium carbonate market was stable with a minor decline, as the SMM index dropped to 110,825 yuan/ton (~$15,307.32 USD/ton), and futures fell by 0.73%.

Today's lithium carbonate market showed stability with a minor futures decline of 0.53%, and the SMM index at 112,041 yuan/ton (~15,475.28 USD/ton).

March 29th spot market sees stability, with battery-grade index at 108,817 yuan/ton, while futures contract 2407 drops by 1.20%.

On March 22nd, lithium carbonate futures fell by 2.68% to 114,350 yuan/ton, while spot prices held at 112,550 yuan/ton, amid cautious purchasing and stable market sentiment.

On March 22nd, lithium carbonate futures fell by 2.68% to 114,350 yuan/ton, while spot prices held at 112,550 yuan/ton, amid cautious purchasing and stable market sentiment.

Tesla has reduced production of electric cars at its China factory due to slow growth in new energy car sales and fierce market competition. Employees have been instructed to work 5 days a week instead of the usual 6 and a half days, with no clear timeline on when normal production will resume. Competition in China is increasing, with Tesla's shipments down in the first two months of 2024, and demand for electric cars in other major regions like the US and Europe also slowing down. Some production lines at Tesla's Shanghai factory, including the battery workshop, are facing longer shutdowns, with production restrictions expected to extend until April.

In 2023, the price of ternary precursors showed a downward trend, with an average price of 82,000 yuan, a 34% decrease from the previous year. The prices were mainly affected by the cost of nickel and cobalt salts due to overcapacity. There were two significant rebounds in the second and third quarters due to market demand and cost increases in nickel and cobalt prices. Looking ahead to 2024, the price of ternary precursors will continue to be influenced by the cost of nickel sulfate. The demand for nickel sulfate is expected to increase, leading to a small recovery in precursor prices. Additionally, competition in the terminal market is increasing, putting pressure on overseas selling prices and profits for precursors. This may result in lower acceptance of premiums for precursors and narrower overseas selling prices.

Australian lithium mining company IGO announced changes to the long-term off-take pricing model for the world's largest lithium mine, Greenbushes, owned by the company, Tianqi Lithium, and Albemarle. The new settlement method will use the average lithium salt price of the previous month of shipment, with a 5% discount, compared to the previous method of using the average lithium salt price of the previous quarter. The production guidance for FY24 lithium spodumene concentrate has also been lowered. This change reflects the current trend of lowering prices in the lithium mining industry, as prices for lithium spodumene concentrate have been declining. Various mining companies are focusing on reducing production costs, and if the prices continue to drop, there is still room for further decline in the import price of lithium spodumene concentrate.

The following table shows the ferrous and nonferrous metals movement on the SHFE and DCE on Aug 11, 2023