Spot Lithium Carbonate Market Activity Saw Slight Recovery This Week, But Prices Failed To Rise

This week, the SMM battery-grade lithium carbonate index price remained stable. With the long-term decline in lithium carbonate spot prices, upstream smelters were reluctant to sell, and some lithium salt plants, pressured by losses, were strongly inclined to hold prices. Although the production of cathode materials increased, downstream material plants saw a rise in the proportion of long-term contract supplies, and with the current low price of lithium carbonate reducing spot availability, transactions were sparse. Some battery cell manufacturers showed increased inquiry and transaction activity this week. Overall, the lithium carbonate spot market saw a slight recovery in transactions compared to last week. Despite frequent price fluctuations, the fundamental supply-demand imbalance in lithium carbonate is unlikely to change in the short term. In the long run, lithium carbonate prices are expected to remain weak.