This week, ternary cathode material prices turned downward. On the raw material front, nickel sulfate and manganese sulfate prices showed no major fluctuations, while cobalt sulfate prices declined. Lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide saw a notable pullback due to capital market influences, driving ternary cathode material prices lower.
In terms of transaction sentiment, most EV market orders were already signed by the end of May, and the market is currently in the delivery phase with no new contract signing needs. Consumer battery cell manufacturers are generally adopting a wait-and-see attitude, expecting further declines in raw material prices. A few manufacturers have made small-batch restocking purchases, while most are waiting for prices to drop further.
On payables, EV market payables remained largely stable. In the consumer market, however, payables for nickel and cobalt have increased since June, mainly due to upstream production cost pressures.
On the demand side, EV market production schedules remain high in June, driven by concentrated new model launches and deliveries in China, as well as strong demand from the European auto market. In addition, overseas orders, particularly for South Korean ternary cathode materials, have seen new increases due to rising demand from end customers in the United States. In contrast, demand in the e-mobility and consumer markets remains subdued.
