[SMM Daily Review: January 27 Spot Lithium Carbonate Prices Fluctuated Downward]
The SMM battery-grade lithium carbonate index stood at 171,425 yuan/mt, down 7,539 yuan/mt from the previous working day. SMM Battery-grade lithium carbonate was priced at 168,000-177,000 yuan/mt, with an average of 172,500 yuan/mt, down 9,000 yuan/mt from the previous working day. SMM Industrial-grade lithium carbonate was priced at 165,000-173,000 yuan/mt, with an average of 169,000 yuan/mt, down 9,000 yuan/mt from the previous working day.

Today, the most-traded lithium carbonate futures contract moved sideways, with the closing price surging rapidly to around 180,000 yuan/mt, fluctuating between 164,000 yuan/mt and 180,600 yuan/mt. In terms of actual market transactions, upstream spot order sellers showed weak willingness to sell, and some lithium chemical plants engaged in stockpiling and holding back sales. Downstream material plants mainly purchased as needed and prepared for February stockpiling, with some adopting a cautious wait-and-see approach. Overall, market inquiries and transaction activity remained stable.