LiCarbonate Daily Insights - April 11th Edition

Market Pulse: Stability Amid Adjustments

Today's lithium carbonate market shows a nuanced equilibrium with the SMM battery-grade lithium carbonate index at 112,316 yuan/ton (~15,513.26 USD/ton), a slight decrease of 308 yuan. Despite this, battery-grade lithium carbonate prices remained stable, spanning 112,000 yuan/ton (~15,469.61 USD/ton) to 114,500 yuan/ton (~15,814.92 USD/ton), with an unwavering average of 113,250 yuan/ton (~15,642.27 USD/ton). The industrial-grade segment mirrored this steadiness, holding its ground with prices between 108,500 yuan/ton (~14,986.19 USD/ton) and 111,500 yuan/ton (~15,400.55 USD/ton), averaging at 110,000 yuan/ton (~15,193.37 USD/ton).

This general stability persists amidst firm pricing sentiment among lithium salt producers, most maintaining their quoted prices with only a few adjusting downwards, suggesting a strong market demand for more competitively priced lithium carbonate stocks from downstream sectors, such as cathode manufacturers, who are gradually increasing their purchasing volumes.

Futures Market Dynamics: A Downward Adjustment

The lithium carbonate (2407) main futures contract took a different path, experiencing a 3.06% decrease. Opening at 115,600 yuan/ton (~15,966.85 USD/ton) and settling at 112,500 yuan/ton (~15,538.67 USD/ton), the contract's trading volume stood at 195,122 lots, with open interest decreasing by 4,150 lots to 180,154 lots. This movement marks a period of correction, showcasing initial volatility followed by a stabilization towards the close.

Refreshing Perspectives: Adapting to Market Sentiments

The day's trading underscores a delicate balance where spot market prices remain steady against a backdrop of selective downstream purchasing, highlighting a preference for competitively priced lithium carbonate amidst broader market adjustments. This scenario reflects a trend of cautious optimism and strategic purchasing as stakeholders navigate through fluctuating price signals and supply-demand dynamics, emphasizing the importance of monitoring both supply-side sentiments and downstream purchasing patterns in understanding the market's direction amidst changing economic landscapes. ​

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If you have any questions regarding the recent movement of lithium carbonate market (e.g. what caused it and how this can affect your business), or would like to know more comprehensive pricing info on Lithium Carbonate. Please feel free to reach out to me:

Robin He

SMM Li-ion Battery Materials Department

E: robinhe@smm.cn | T: +86-21-51595884