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

Published: Jan 20, 2026 16:20

Save

[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.

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

May 1, 2026 07:00

India to build a six-month strategic stockpile of lithium, cobalt and rare earths as demand rises

Amid sustained demand growth, India plans to build a strategic reserve of critical minerals including lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper and rare earths. The stockpile will be sized to cover six months of domestic consumption, aiming to guard against risks of global supply disruptions and sharp raw material price volatility. Led by India’s Ministry of Mines and Ministry of Heavy Industries, the reserve covers key raw materials essential for new energy vehicles, energy storage and the electronics sector, fields where India currently relies heavily on imports. At present, the United States, China, South Korea and other countries have already established strategic reserve systems for critical minerals.

May 1, 2026 07:00

Apr 30, 2026 23:00

[Geely's Gan Jiayue: Zeekr 9X to enter markets in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Europe from Q3]

On April 29, during Geely's Q1 2026 results conference, Gan Jiayue, CEO of Geely Auto Group, stated that the Zeekr 9X will be exported to the Middle East in June, launched in Central Asia in Q3, and enter the European market in Q4. Gan also revealed that the Zeekr 8X will be promoted in overseas markets from Q4 this year to Q1 next year. Data shows that in the first quarter, deliveries of the Zeekr 9X reached 22,000 units.

Apr 30, 2026 23:00

Apr 30, 2026 22:55

[LG Energy Solution posts Q1 operating loss of 207.8 billion won]

LG Energy Solution reported consolidated revenue of 6.6 trillion won in the first quarter, up 1.2% quarter-on-quarter (including approximately 189.8 billion won in North American production incentives). During the same period, it recorded an operating loss of 207.8 billion won. Shipments of pouch-type electric vehicle (EV) batteries declined due to inventory adjustments by major North American customers.

Apr 30, 2026 22:55