LiCarbonate Daily - April 25th Edition

Published: Apr 25, 2024 18:11
Source: SMM
Today's lithium carbonate market saw a slight rise with the SMM index reaching 111,176 yuan/ton (~$15,334.62 USD/ton) and futures dipping slightly by 0.86%.

Market Overview and Price Movements:

Today, the lithium carbonate market saw modest gains with the SMM battery-grade lithium carbonate index rising by 414 yuan to 111,176 yuan/ton ($15,334.62 USD/ton). Battery-grade lithium carbonate prices increased, ranging from 110,500 yuan/ton ($15,241.38 USD/ton) to 113,000 yuan/ton ($15,586.21 USD/ton), with the average price climbing by 500 yuan to 111,750 yuan/ton ($15,413.79 USD/ton). Industrial-grade lithium carbonate also experienced an uptick, with prices moving from 108,000 yuan/ton ($14,896.55 USD/ton) to 110,000 yuan/ton ($15,172.41 USD/ton), with the average rising by 750 yuan to 109,000 yuan/ton (~$15,034.48 USD/ton).

Supply Dynamics and Downstream Demand:

This morning, some lithium salt producers raised their prices for spot sales, maintaining a firm stance on pricing. Despite the higher prices, the majority of downstream cathode manufacturers reported no immediate interest in following the price rise due to prior purchases at lower rates and the fulfillment of long-term contract needs. Only a few engaged in necessary purchasing or made purchases based on later pricing, slightly elevating the market's price center.

Futures Market Trends:

The lithium carbonate (2407) main futures contract experienced a small decrease, falling by 0.86%. The contract opened at 110,500 yuan/ton ($15,241.38 USD/ton) and closed lower at 109,600 yuan/ton ($15,117.24 USD/ton). Trading volume was 158,133 lots, with open interest decreasing by 2,659 lots to 176,148 lots. The day's trading saw initial upward fluctuations followed by a significant drop mid-morning to the day's low at 108,400 yuan/ton (~$14,951.72 USD/ton), before it slightly recovered and stabilized until the close.

Market Sentiments and Strategic Adjustments:

The lithium market today reflects a mixed sentiment, with producers pushing for higher spot prices and many buyers taking a cautious approach, waiting out the market fluctuations. This dynamic suggests a market still adjusting to supply and demand factors, with potential volatility as buyers and sellers negotiate their positions. As the market navigates these conditions, stakeholders are closely monitoring pricing trends and inventory levels to align their strategies with evolving market dynamics. ​

* You can subscribe to LiCarbonate Daily and it will be sent to your email daily; To subscribe, simply send an email to me : robinhe@smm.cn *

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

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM's internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or for more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
[SMM Analysis] V-Shaped Rebound Followed by High-Level Fluctuations, Tight Balance Persists
11 hours ago
[SMM Analysis] V-Shaped Rebound Followed by High-Level Fluctuations, Tight Balance Persists
Read More
[SMM Analysis] V-Shaped Rebound Followed by High-Level Fluctuations, Tight Balance Persists
[SMM Analysis] V-Shaped Rebound Followed by High-Level Fluctuations, Tight Balance Persists
11 hours ago
[SMM Analysis] Monthly Summary of Lithium Carbonate Market – July 2026
11 hours ago
[SMM Analysis] Monthly Summary of Lithium Carbonate Market – July 2026
Read More
[SMM Analysis] Monthly Summary of Lithium Carbonate Market – July 2026
[SMM Analysis] Monthly Summary of Lithium Carbonate Market – July 2026
11 hours ago
SMM Daily Review: 3 August – Spot Lithium Carbonate Continues to Fall
12 hours ago
SMM Daily Review: 3 August – Spot Lithium Carbonate Continues to Fall
Read More
SMM Daily Review: 3 August – Spot Lithium Carbonate Continues to Fall
SMM Daily Review: 3 August – Spot Lithium Carbonate Continues to Fall
[SMM Daily Review: 3 August – Spot Lithium Carbonate Continues to Fall] Today, SMM’s spot price for battery-grade lithium carbonate continued to fall compared with the previous working day. The lithium carbonate 2609 contract opened lower today at 137,500 yuan per tonne; following the opening, it fluctuated lower and quickly dipped, touching a low of 135,600 yuan per tonne; Subsequently, long positions drove a volatile rebound, with the price fluctuating around the moving average line during the morning session; as the morning session drew to a close, long positions intensified, propelling the price to rapidly break through the 140,000 yuan mark and surge to 140,800 yuan per tonne. In the afternoon, the price retreated amid selling pressure from short positions and profit-taking, and consolidated within a narrow range of 138,800–139,000 yuan per tonne towards the close, eventually closing down 1.15% at 138,900 yuan per tonne, with open interest decreasing by 3,474 contracts. In the spot market, as it was the first working day of the month, downstream material manufacturers began dispatching goods under long-term contracts and for customer orders; spot buyers remained cautious, purchasing only on an as-needed basis when prices were relatively low. Upstream lithium salt producers continued to maintain their willingness to support prices for spot sales, with the focus at the start of the month on ensuring supply through long-term contracts and contract volume increases. Overall, the level of activity in market enquiries and actual transactions declined somewhat.
12 hours ago