This week, the prices of 5-series ternary cathode material rose, while the prices of 6-series and 8-series products saw a slight correction.

This week, the price of ternary cathode precursor increased slightly.

From an overall data analysis perspective, rigid demand in the ESS sector remained stable at month-end June, with both domestic and overseas demand receiving certain support from mid-year factors and various policies. The auto sales boom driven by auto shows in the early part of June gradually faded, with the penetration rate of NEVs in the market remaining stable. Currently, consumer purchasing power in the end-use market is insufficient, and it is expected that there will be some increase in end-use demand, but it will be relatively limited. In terms of market transactions, as of month-end June, market transactions remained sluggish, with some second-life battery producers largely refraining from building up inventory and maintaining a just-in-time procurement strategy. By July, after the mid-year period, there is further room for demand in the NEV and ESS markets to decline.

From Jan to May in 2025, the number of electric vehicles registered in countries around the world was approximately 7.520 million units, about 32.4% increase from the same period last year (5.682 mil units).

SMM's monthly production data for base metals is released at the end of each month, aiming to uncover the true fundamentals for industry chain professionals and investors, and providing a clearer grasp of the future direction of the metals market.

[Ganfeng Lithium: Completes 100% Equity Acquisition of Mali Lithium, Commences Phase I Production at Goulamina Spodumene Project in Mali with 506,000 mt Annual Lithium Concentrate Capacity]G

[SMM Analysis: Relief of Pressure on the Cost Side Boosts Anode Material Production Growth in June] SMM reported on July 2: In June 2025, China's anode material production increased by 1.5% MoM and 27% YoY.

[SMM Analysis: Cathode Material Production Saw Slight MoM Increase in June, with Significant Demand Differences Between NEV and ESS Markets] SMM reported on July 2: In June, the domestic lithium carbonate market saw a significant increase in production, with total lithium carbonate production up 8% MoM and 18% YoY. Lithium hydroxide production weakened MoM, with a decrease of about 5%, and a 31% YoY decrease. Cobalt sulphate production decreased 9.71% MoM and increased 3.80% YoY. Co3O4 production decreased 8% MoM and increased 24% YoY. Ternary cathode precursor production increased 2.3% MoM and decreased 3.18% YoY. Ternary cathode material production increased 0.93% MoM and increased 31.54% YoY. The domestic iron phosphate market showed a steady increase, with production up slightly by 2% MoM and a significant increase of 56% YoY. LFP material production increased by about 1.56% MoM. LCO production decreased 3% MoM and increased 20% YoY.

The manufacturing of solid-state batteries typically requires more advanced and new-type materials. Currently, composite current collectors are being rapidly introduced into solid-state battery applications. In June this year, Sanfu New Technology disclosed externally that it had signed a strategic cooperation agreement with a European semi-solid-state battery manufacturer. After the customer successfully establishes the first set of semi-solid-state high-safety battery production lines, a formal supply contract for "key materials for 5Gwh semi-solid-state high-safety batteries" will be signed. It is reported that the key material is a composite copper foil current collector.