[SMM Daily Review: Spot Lithium Carbonate Prices Continued to Decline on August 29]
The SMM battery-grade lithium carbonate index stood at 79,628 yuan/mt, down 314 yuan/mt from the previous working day. Battery-grade lithium carbonate prices ranged between 77,400-81,900 yuan/mt, with an average of 79,650 yuan/mt, down 350 yuan/mt MoM. Industrial-grade lithium carbonate prices were at 76,650-78,050 yuan/mt, averaging 77,350 yuan/mt, down 350 yuan/mt MoM.
Currently, during the September-October peak season, with spot lithium carbonate prices showing a sustained downtrend, purchase willingness among downstream material plants and battery cell manufacturers has strengthened, leading to a slight extension in inventory cycles. In terms of supply, despite a notable decline in lepidolite-sourced lithium carbonate output from Jiangxi, increased production from spodumene sources has effectively filled the gap, leaving no significant supply tightness in the market. Considering accumulated inventory levels and seasonal demand growth, spot lithium carbonate prices are expected to hold up well in the near term.