[SMM Analysis] LCO: Upstream Cost Drives Minor Adjustments, Downstream Restocking Remains Cautious and Wait-and-See

Published: May 7, 2026 14:27

Save

After the holiday, LCO market prices remained basically stable. Influenced by the continuous rise in upstream lithium carbonate prices, quotes saw minor follow-on adjustments, with overall fluctuations limited in range. Demand side, battery cell manufacturers continued to digest raw material inventory, and willingness to restock improved somewhat, but actual procurement remained cautious. Most market participants held a wait-and-see sentiment, with transactions mainly focused on executing previously established orders. LCO prices are expected to continue consolidating within a stable range in the short term, with subsequent focus needed on changes in downstream enterprise orders and restocking pace.

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

1 hour ago

【SMM Analysis】Cobalt market diverges: Metal choppy, Intermediate steady awaiting upside, Sulfate stabilizes

1 hour ago

[Lithium Battery: Uncovered Losses Exceed One-Third Of Share Capital, NCM Company Initiates Rescue Measures]

Recently, Tianli Lithium Energy issued an announcement regarding uncovered losses reaching one-third of the total paid-in share capital. As of December 31, 2025, Tianli Lithium Energy's undistributed profit was -830 million yuan, with paid-in share capital of 119 million yuan, and the amount of uncovered losses exceeded one-third of the total paid-in share capital. Tianli Lithium Energy stated that the main reasons for the loss in 2025 were due to fluctuations in lithium carbonate prices and the volatile adjustment in the lithium iron phosphate industry, which led to insufficient operating rates for some of the company's production facilities, low capacity utilization, and high allocation of fixed costs per unit of product.

1 hour ago

[Lithium Battery: Xiaomi Establishes Battery Company In Beijing]

On April 30, Beijing Xiaomi Jingxu Technology Co., Ltd. officially completed its industrial and commercial registration and was established. The company is under the Xiaomi Group system, wholly owned by Xiaomi Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., and indirectly wholly controlled by Xiaomi Communications Co., Ltd. Its core business covers battery manufacturing, production of battery parts and accessories, and battery sales. It also includes key new energy sectors such as electric motor manufacturing, electric motor production, motor and its control system research and development, and generator and generator set manufacturing.

1 hour ago