As the latest article from UBS ignites the lithium market, there are plenty of oversea lithium investers and market participant curious to learn about what had happened to the Chinese market and CATL’s current production status of lithium carbonate. As lithium analyst of SMM, it is my chance to share key information and my ideas with the readers of this article.

[SMM Data: Electrolyte Operating Rate in August] The operating rate of electrolyte in August 2024 was approximately 31.94%. The operating rate is expected to continue to rise in September.

Battery energy storage system (BESS) integrators Fluence and Saft have respectively initiated domestic manufacturing operations for battery modules and BESS containers in the U.S.

SMM, September 13: This week, 314Ah and 280Ah energy storage battery cell prices experienced a slight decline, while 100Ah and 50Ah energy storage battery cell prices remained stable.

SMM, Sep 13: Segmenting by cathode active materials, LFP and ternary materials are currently the most commonly used in the power battery sector.

This week, the prices of 314Ah and 280Ah energy storage battery cells slightly declined, while the prices of 100Ah and 50Ah energy storage battery cells remained stable.

In July, China imported 549,628 mt of lithium concentrate through customs, equivalent to approximately 52,996 mt of LCE, with a physical tonnage increase of 5.2% MoM.

Regarding imports, as China is a major producer of lithium hydroxide, it has low reliance on overseas sources under the condition of oversupply.

Regarding imports, China's lithium carbonate import volume for July was about 24,152 mt, up 23% MoM.

Supply side: Spot prices for lithium carbonate continued to weaken. Most lithium salt smelters had stabilized their operations after adjustments, with no significant changes in output.