[SMM Daily Review: September 12 Spot Lithium Carbonate Prices Continued to Decline]
The SMM battery-grade lithium carbonate index stood at 72,398 yuan/mt, down 406 yuan/mt from the previous working day. Battery-grade lithium carbonate was priced at 70,900-74,000 yuan/mt, with an average of 72,450 yuan/mt, down 400 yuan/mt from the previous working day. Industrial-grade lithium carbonate was priced at 69,600-70,800 yuan/mt, with an average of 70,200 yuan/mt, down 400 yuan/mt from the previous working day.
Lithium carbonate futures prices fluctuated at lows today, while downstream material plants remained active in point pricing and transactions. Currently, during the peak demand season, downstream material plants have rigid purchase needs. As the National Day stockpiling period approaches, purchase willingness is strong amid relatively low prices. In terms of supply, lithium carbonate produced from spodumene raw material accounted for over 60%, becoming a key support for market supply, while lithium carbonate from lepidolite raw material decreased to 15%. Overall, the market in September showed simultaneous growth in supply and demand, with demand growing faster, and a temporary supply tightness is expected within the month.