SHANGHAI, Sep 18 (SMM) – In the week ending September 14, the weakening trend of lepidolite price has slowed down. The operating rate of lepidolite mines in Jiangxi remained low, and the output was still below expectations. Some lithium salt factories have resorted to taking outsourcing orders from end-user companies due to a lack of raw materials. On the demand side, the demand increment for lithium carbonate in September is still flat, leading to a continued decline in prices. Currently, CATL has started production at its Jianxiawo Mine in Jiangxi, but a large amount of raw material is being processed by third-party factories. Whether the increased lepidolite supply will flow into the market remains to be seen. Lepidolite price is expected to continue to weaken along with lithium carbonate price in the short term.
In the week ending September 14, spodumene concentrate price continues to decline. The import price of spodumene from Australia has exceeded the acceptance level of domestic lithium salt factories, leading to long-term orders and rare spot transactions. Currently, mainstream Australian mines’ pricing is based on lithium carbonate price in the previous quarter. The average lithium carbonate price for Q3 compared to Q2 has only seen limited decrease, indicating that the decline in mining prices for Q4 is also relatively limited. In the short term, spodumene price is expected to continue to experience a slight decline.
