【SMM Analysis】Lithium Carbonate Price Surge Leads to Battery Cell Price Increases in July

Overall data analysis indicates stable underlying demand support in the energy storage sector by the end of July, bolstered by mid-year factors and various policies both domestically and internationally. Rising lithium carbonate prices have driven an increase in battery cell prices. Meanwhile, the surge in automotive sales stimulated by auto shows earlier in July gradually subsided, with the new energy vehicle market penetration rate stabilizing. Currently, terminal consumer demand lacks momentum, although some incremental growth is expected. Similar to the energy storage sector, rising prices for cathode materials driven by higher lithium carbonate costs have been passed on to power battery cells, resulting in a slight price increase. In terms of market transactions, activity remained subdued by the end of July. Some second-life battery manufacturers maintained minimal inventory, adhering to a procurement strategy based on immediate needs. Looking ahead to August, demand in both the power and energy storage markets has potential for further decline.