SMM data shows China's November 2023 EMD production at 18,200 mt, with 2,700 mt LMO type, 10,500 mt alkaline-manganese type, and 5,100 mt zinc-carbon types, up 18.60% MoM and 23.10% YoY. January-November production was 180,200 mt, down 30.65% YoY. The rise is due to EMD firms' post-maintenance resumption, increasing operation rates. Yet, the sluggish LMO market curbed procurement, causing slight inventory growth.
As we enter December, with New Year's Day and the Spring Festival approaching, some battery cell manufacturers have plans to stock up, which may result in a slight increase in the procurement of alkaline manganese and zinc-carbon types. However, the sluggish trend in the LMO market is expected to persist, leading to a decline in the production of LMO-type manganese dioxide. Therefore, it is estimated that the production of EMD for December will be around 17,600 mt.
