[SMM Analysis] Lithium Battery Recycling Market Procurement Volume Continued to Rise MoM in October

Published: Oct 31, 2025 19:33

Save

Procurement volume in the market reached 30,200 mt in October, up approximately 7.30% MoM, showing an overall active trend. The main driver was sustained release of downstream demand: on one hand, most LFP battery hydrometallurgy recycling plants maintained high production amid a rebound in lithium carbonate prices, and some enterprises planned to launch or expand production, driving the volume of recycled lithium chemicals to around 8,500 mt in September, up about 12% MoM; on the other hand, ternary hydrometallurgy plants saw a significant increase in cobalt sulphate prices in early and mid-October due to supply-side impacts, while lithium carbonate performed well, further boosting procurement enthusiasm. This led to recycled nickel salt production reaching 5,580 mt in metal content (up about 6.29% MoM) and recycled cobalt salt production reaching 1,350 mt in metal content (up 2% MoM).

SMM Oct. 31:

Market procurement volume in October was 30,200 mt, up about 7.30% MoM, showing overall active momentum. The main driver was the continuous release of downstream demand: on one hand, most LFP battery hydrometallurgy recycling plants maintained high output against the backdrop of some recovery in , with some enterprises planning to commence or expand production, pushing recycled lithium chemicals volume in September to about 8,500 mt, up about 12% MoM; on the other hand, ternary hydrometallurgy plants saw a significant rise in in early and mid-October due to supply-side impacts, coupled with strong lithium carbonate performance, further boosting procurement enthusiasm. This drove recycled nickel salt production to 5,580 mt in metal content (up about 6.29% MoM) and recycled cobalt salt production to 1,350 mt in metal content (up 2% MoM).

Supply side, quotations from grinding mills and traders continued to rise following nickel, cobalt, and lithium chemical prices, with black mass prices also increasing accordingly. Overall market transaction sentiment was hotter compared to last month, especially in the LFP recycling sector.

Looking ahead, as end-user demand decreases, November's recycled procurement volume is expected to see a slight decline.

[For more content, subscribe to SMM Nickel Research Group products "China Nickel-Chrome-Stainless Steel Industry Chain Regular Report" and "China Nickel-Chrome-Stainless Steel Industry Chain High-end Report" to obtainthe latest data analysis and market insights on nickel ore, NPI (China + Indonesia), refined nickel, nickel sulphate, chrome ore,ferrochrome, and stainless steel (China + Indonesia)! Forordering or trial subscriptions, please call 021-51666863, Contact: Fu Jian]

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

5 hours ago

Beijing Launches 500-kV Power Project in Fengtai, Boosting Grid Resilience and Industrial Growth

On January 28th, the construction of the 500-kilovolt power transmission and transformation project in Fengtai, Beijing officially started. This project is the first newly-built 500-kilovolt power grid project in Beijing during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. It will significantly enhance the resilience and power receiving capacity of the southern Beijing power grid and provide reliable power support for Beijing to continuously optimize the investment structure and vigorously develop high-end, precise, and cutting-edge industries. The 500-kilovolt power transmission and transformation project in Fengtai, Beijing is a key project of Beijing's power grid during the 15th Five-Year Plan period and one of the "3 100" key projects in Beijing this year. It is constructed and managed by the State

5 hours ago

Shaanxi-Anhui UHV DC Project's 500-kV AC System at Hezhou Station Begins Operation After Trial Run

On February 1st, the 500-kilovolt AC system of the Hezhou Converter Station, the receiving-end station of the ±800-kilovolt UHV DC power transmission project from northern Shaanxi to Anhui, was officially put into operation after a 24-hour trial run.

5 hours ago

750-kV Power Line Connecting Northern to Central Shaanxi Fully Operational

On February 2nd, the 750-kilovolt power transmission and transformation project of the third passageway from northern Shaanxi to central Shaanxi was fully connected. The project starts from the 750-kilovolt Shuofang Substation in Shenmu City in the north and ends at the 750-kilovolt Bailuyuan Substation in Lantian County in the south. It has newly built a 1,271-kilometer line, passing through 18 counties (districts) in 4 cities including Yulin, Yan'an, Weinan and Xi'an.

5 hours ago