Lithium Ore Market Review for September 18-25 [SMM Weekly Review]

This week, lithium carbonate prices fluctuated within a range WoW, causing ore prices to follow suit. Upstream overseas ore suppliers continued to show reluctance to budge on prices, with few fixed-price offers available; most traders held back on sales to some extent due to cost factors. Although downstream lithium chemical plants engaged in some price inquiries, their willingness to conclude transactions was weak in the face of high quotes, given their relatively ample current inventory. Overall market sentiment remained mediocre.

Customs data showed that imports reached 620,000 mt in August, equivalent to approximately 56,000 mt LCE; import volume pulled back 17.5% MoM. Despite high lithium chemical production levels in August, the market experienced some tightness in lithium ore supply overall.