[SMM Daily Review: January 20 Spot Lithium Carbonate Prices Fluctuated Upward]
The SMM battery-grade lithium carbonate index stood at 154,099 yuan/mt, up 2,434 yuan/mt from the previous working day. SMM Battery-grade lithium carbonate was priced at 149,000-156,000 yuan/mt, with an average of 152,500 yuan/mt, up 1,500 yuan/mt from the previous working day. SMM Industrial-grade lithium carbonate was priced at 145,000-153,000 yuan/mt, with an average of 149,000 yuan/mt, up 1,500 yuan/mt from the previous working day.

Today, the most-traded lithium carbonate futures contract showed a fluctuating upward trend, with an increase of nearly 9%, closing up at the limit-up price of 160,500 yuan/mt. In terms of actual market transactions, aside from delivering previously signed long-term agreements, upstream lithium chemical plants showed weak willingness to sell spot orders. Downstream material plants continued to purchase as needed, with some adopting a cautious stance and only buying at relatively low price points. Overall, market trading activity slightly decreased compared to the previous period.