Spot lithium carbonate prices dropped significantly this week

This week, spot lithium carbonate prices have dropped significantly. Demand side, although downstream material plants and battery cell manufacturers have maintained a previously high production schedule, purchasing sentiment is weak due to year-end inventory control considerations. Supply side, lithium chemical smelters, approaching the period for long-term contract negotiations, exhibit a strong sentiment to stand firm on quotes. Overall, there is a significant gap in psychological price expectations between upstream and downstream, resulting in sluggish transactions. Some traders, aiming for destocking, have dragged down spot lithium carbonate prices in transactions with material plants. Considering the subsequent strong supply and demand pattern and the accumulated inventory levels of lithium carbonate, spot lithium carbonate prices are expected to continue fluctuating rangebound.