This week, lithium ore prices experienced slight fluctuations WoW. On the spodumene side, overseas mines showed strong sentiment to stand firm on quotes, with offers remaining at high levels and occasional transaction prices around $900/mt CIF. However, as domestic spot and futures prices for lithium chemicals are currently at low levels, demand for high-priced imported lithium ore remains weak. In the domestic market, some traders have limited recent purchases and also exhibit a certain sentiment to stand firm on quotes when selling at current lithium chemical prices. Coupled with the approach of the Chinese New Year, suppliers' willingness to negotiate prices has weakened due to logistics and other reasons, slowing the pace of shipments. Overall, spot cargo circulation in the market is limited, and spodumene prices continue to fluctuate within the current range.
On the lepidolite side, with limited overall market circulation of lepidolite concentrate, supply-side quotes remain high. On the demand side, most non-integrated lepidolite smelters currently in production maintain normal production rhythms and have ongoing purchasing demand for lepidolite concentrate, further fueling the supply side's sentiment to stand firm on quotes. However, due to recent inconsistencies in the volume and quality of spot supply, buyers exhibit a certain desire to bargain down prices. Combined with the relatively low lithium chemical prices recently, lepidolite prices overall continue to fluctuate within the current range.
Lithium ore prices are expected to continue fluctuating at current levels.
