The ternary cathode precursor market performed weakly in June [SMM Weekly Review of Ternary Cathode Precursor Market]

This week, the prices of 5-series, 6-series, and 8-series ternary cathode precursor products rose slightly.

On the raw material cost side, nickel sulphate and manganese sulphate prices remained stable, while cobalt sulphate rebounded due to the extension of the export ban in the DRC, though the upward momentum gradually slowed down. Currently, the quoted prices of ternary cathode precursors showed relatively small changes, as cathode material producers exhibited low willingness to accept higher discount coefficients for precursors, primarily constrained by the overall weak demand in the ternary market, leaving limited room for price increases.

Demand side, the domestic ternary NEV market remained sluggish overall, with only some leading battery cell manufacturers seeing order growth from suppliers. The consumer market performed moderately in June, with partial producer orders expected to recover in July. Supply side, ternary precursor shipments were weak in June, with some producers reporting significant production cuts, though a slight recovery is anticipated in July.

Driven by the upward trend in cobalt sulphate prices, ternary precursor prices may rise slightly in the short term.