SMM Analysis: Ternary Cathode Material Prices Experienced Slight Fluctuations and an Upward Trend This Week

This week, the price of ternary cathode materials showed a slight upward fluctuation, mainly driven by the slight increase in the prices of nickel sulphate and cobalt sulphate, offsetting the impact of the fluctuating adjustment in lithium chemicals prices. The overall market supply was still dominated by long-term contracts signed historically, with the discount coefficient yet to be adjusted. The price increase was mainly reflected in spot order quotations. As the procurement order coefficient signed between material manufacturers and upstream precursor producers was raised, the production cost of ternary cathode materials remained at a relatively high level, and the material prices remained relatively firm.

In terms of production and orders, affected by the significant increase in raw material prices in March, some battery cell manufacturers chose to place orders in advance and stock up in March to meet subsequent production needs. Meanwhile, the recent increase in demand for ternary cathode materials in overseas markets led to an increase in overseas tolling business orders for some material manufacturers, driving a slight recovery in the overall market order situation. The production schedule for April is expected to remain stable with a slight increase. In the short term, the price of ternary cathode materials is expected to remain firm and fluctuate with the volatility of raw material prices.