Lithium Carbonate Prices Dip Further on September 9, Outlook Remains Weak Amid Inventory Overhang

[SMM Daily Commentary: Lithium Carbonate Prices Decline on September 9]

The SMM battery-grade lithium carbonate index price fell to 72,107 yuan/ton, down 348 yuan/ton from the previous working day; the price range for battery-grade lithium carbonate was 70,300-74,200 yuan/ton, with an average price of 72,250 yuan/ton, down 350 yuan/ton from the previous working day; industrial-grade lithium carbonate ranged from 67,100-69,000 yuan/ton, averaging at 68,050 yuan/ton, also down 350 yuan/ton from the previous working day. The trading price focus of the lithium carbonate spot market continued to shift downwards. Following the significant drop in spot prices, some lithium salt factories that closely follow spot prices adjusted their quotes downwards, while the rest of the lithium salt factories remained primarily focused on maintaining prices, with limited reductions in prices. The downstream material factories anticipated a continuous decline in prices, further widening the price gap with upstream lithium salt factories. Although downstream production schedules for September continued to improve, considering the cumulative domestic lithium carbonate inventory levels, lithium carbonate prices are expected to remain weak.