SMM Daily Review: January 20 Spot Lithium Carbonate Prices Fluctuated Upward

Published: Jan 20, 2026 16:20

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[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.

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.

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