[SMM Analysis] This week's hydrometallurgy recycling market: Post-holiday market performance was sluggish, with most enterprises adopting a wait-and-see approach after resuming operations (2026.2.23-2.26)

Published: Feb 26, 2026 17:49
Raw material side, lithium carbonate and nickel sulphate prices continued to rise this week, while cobalt sulphate prices remained stable.

SMM February 26 news:

 

Raw material side, lithium carbonate and nickel sulphate prices continued to rise this week, while cobalt sulphate prices remained stable.

 

This week, by ternary and LFP material types, LFP hydrometallurgy side: taking LFP pole piece black mass as an example, current LFP pole piece black mass prices are 6,150-6,650 yuan/mtu, with the price center continuing to rise MoM from pre-holiday. As time enters post-Chinese New Year, lithium carbonate futures and spot prices keep rising, some upstream LFP recycling enterprises have started to offer high prices with certain volume transactions; most downstream hydrometallurgy recycling enterprises are still watching, but overall sentiment is clearly shifting upward, and they indicate just-in-time procurement plans for early March, i.e., next week. Ternary and LCO side, ternary pole piece black mass nickel and cobalt payables are around 78%-80%, lithium payables 77%-78%, as nickel and cobalt price changes are relatively small, ternary side enterprises are heavily watchful, but currently some upstream recycling enterprises have offered high prices for sale, market sentiment has shifted upward somewhat, range prices are temporarily stable.

 

 

SMM New Energy Research Team

Wang Cong 021-51666838

Ma Rui 021-51595780

Feng Disheng 021-51666714

Lu Yanlin 021-20707875

Zhou Zhicheng 021-51666711

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
【SMM Analysis】Cobalt Market Rebounds Post-Holiday, Tight Supply Fuels Bullish Outlook
1 hour ago
【SMM Analysis】Cobalt Market Rebounds Post-Holiday, Tight Supply Fuels Bullish Outlook
Read More
【SMM Analysis】Cobalt Market Rebounds Post-Holiday, Tight Supply Fuels Bullish Outlook
【SMM Analysis】Cobalt Market Rebounds Post-Holiday, Tight Supply Fuels Bullish Outlook
1 hour ago
Ganfeng LiEnergy Dongguan Energy Storage Base Officially Commences Operations
1 hour ago
Ganfeng LiEnergy Dongguan Energy Storage Base Officially Commences Operations
Read More
Ganfeng LiEnergy Dongguan Energy Storage Base Officially Commences Operations
Ganfeng LiEnergy Dongguan Energy Storage Base Officially Commences Operations
On February 25, Ganfeng LiEnergy's Dongguan base officially commenced operations and began production. The newly established Ganfeng LiEnergy (Dongguan) Technology Co., Ltd. annual 10GWh new-type lithium battery and energy storage headquarters project is located in Machong Town, Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, with a total investment of 5 billion yuan, covering approximately 325.5 mu of land. The project primarily focuses on the research, development, and production of products including lithium iron phosphate, semi-solid-state cells, light-duty power batteries, portable outdoor energy storage power supplies, residential energy storage systems, and commercial and industrial energy storage systems.
1 hour ago
CATL's 2026 Innovation Bonds Approved for Shenzhen Exchange Listing, Trading for Professional Investors
1 hour ago
CATL's 2026 Innovation Bonds Approved for Shenzhen Exchange Listing, Trading for Professional Investors
Read More
CATL's 2026 Innovation Bonds Approved for Shenzhen Exchange Listing, Trading for Professional Investors
CATL's 2026 Innovation Bonds Approved for Shenzhen Exchange Listing, Trading for Professional Investors
CATL (300750.SZ) announced that the company's 2026 public issuance of science and technology innovation corporate bonds (Phase I) for professional investors has met the listing conditions of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. These bonds will be listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange starting from February 27, 2026, and will be traded among institutional investors within the professional investor category. The trading methods include matched trades, click trades, inquiry-based trades, competitive bidding trades, and negotiated trades.
1 hour ago
Register to Continue Reading
Gain access to the latest insights in metals and new energy
Already have an account?sign in here