[SMM Daily Commentary: Lithium Carbonate Prices Decline on September 4]
The SMM battery-grade lithium carbonate index price was 73,705 yuan/ton, a decrease of 201 yuan/ton from the previous working day; the price range for battery-grade lithium carbonate was 72,200-75,500 yuan/ton, with an average price of 73,850 yuan/ton, down 200 yuan/ton from the previous working day; industrial-grade lithium carbonate ranged from 69,100 to 70,200 yuan/ton, averaging at 69,650 yuan/ton, also a decline of 200 yuan/ton compared to the previous working day. The transaction price center of the lithium carbonate spot market continued to shift downwards. Despite the sustained positive downstream demand, material factories and battery cell factories have slightly increased their spot purchases. Upstream lithium salt factories are still primarily focused on maintaining prices, but some have slightly reduced their quotations due to inventory pressure. Overall, the lithium carbonate spot trading market has shown slightly increased activity. Given the current oversupply situation, lithium carbonate prices are expected to remain weak.