[SMM Analysis] LCO Spot Market Prices Face Significant Resistance to Rebound

GAC Group announced that in March 2026, automobile production was 193,800 units, up 2.60% YoY, and sales were 176,900 units, up 1.68% YoY; cumulative production for the year was 394,800 units, down 3.99% YoY, and cumulative sales were 379,900 units, up 2.38% YoY. In March, NEV production and sales were 56,163 units and 57,577 units, up 18.91% YoY and 72.58% YoY, respectively.

The CPCA said today that in China’s passenger vehicle market, in February 2026, the wholesale sales of producers with new energy sales of more than 10,000 units accounted for 93% of total passenger NEV sales for the month. According to preliminary compiled data for March, the March sales of these enterprises with February new energy sales of more than 10,000 units reached 990,000 units. At present, sales figures for most producers had basically been locked in at a broad level. Some producers whose wholesale volumes were relatively low in February due to the Chinese New Year factor performed very well in March. Therefore, based on last month’s structural mix combined with this month’s data, March nationwide passenger NEV wholesale sales were estimated at 1.12 million units. In summary, based on preliminary monthly CPCA data: nationwide passenger vehicle producers’ new energy wholesale sales in March 2026 were estimated at 1.12 million units, flat YoY and up 55% MoM from February.