[SMM Analysis] LCO: Prices Moved Sideways, Transactions Driven Mainly by Rigid Demand

Published: Apr 16, 2026 17:36

Save

This week, LCO market prices remained generally stable. Affected by slight fluctuations in raw material lithium carbonate prices, LCO quotations saw some degree of follow-on adjustments, but overall price swings were limited. Demand side, battery cell manufacturers' own raw material inventories were being continuously depleted, and their willingness to restock gradually strengthened, though purchasing behavior remained relatively cautious. Currently, market participants generally maintained a wait-and-see stance, with transactions primarily consisting of rigid-demand orders executed according to established plans. LCO prices are expected to maintain a stable trend in the short term, and close attention should be paid to changes in enterprise orders and procurement plans going forward.

Wang Cong 021-51666838

Ma Rui 021-51595780

Feng Disheng 021-51666714

Lv Yanlin 021-20707875

Zhou Zhicheng 021-51666711

Zhang Haohan 021-51666752

Wang Zihan 021-51666914

Wang Jie 021-51595902

Xu Yang 021-51666760

Yang Lianting 021-51595835

Wang Zhaoyu 021-51666827

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

32 mins ago

Daemyung Energy Secures KRW 67 Billion BESS Contracts

Renewable energy company Daemyung Energy announced on April 17 that it has signed EPC contracts for the “Goheung Naro BESS” project in Goheung County and the “Gwangyang Hwanggeum BESS” project in Gwangyang. The contract values amount to KRW 33.7 billion and KRW 33.3 billion, respectively, totaling KRW 67 billion. This represents approximately 51% of the company’s 2025 consolidated revenue (KRW 131 billion).

32 mins ago

33 mins ago

WCP Becomes Sole Separator Supplier for Samsung SDI and SK On ESS Batteries

According to industry sources on April 17, WCP will supply separators for LFP batteries used in ESS systems to be produced by Samsung SDI in the United States. The company is already supplying separators for NCA-based ESS batteries. WCP began supplying separators in October last year to the ESS production line of StarPlus Energy, a joint venture between Samsung SDI and Stellantis. Currently, one NCA-based ESS line is in operation. With two additional LFP lines set to be gradually ramped up starting in October this year, separator supply volumes are expected to increase further.

33 mins ago

35 mins ago

Rivian–Redwood Sign Partnership to Power Recycling Facility with Used Batteries

According to ESG News, on April 15 (local time), the two companies announced a partnership to deploy an energy storage system (ESS) using second-life battery packs at Rivian Normal Manufacturing Plant. The project will utilize more than 100 used battery packs from Rivian, with an initial dispatchable capacity of 10 megawatt-hours (MWh).

35 mins ago