Second-Life Application Market Supply-Demand Equilibrium, Prices for All Categories Remain Flat [SMM Weekly Review]

Published: Jun 18, 2026 17:13

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This week, second-life battery market prices remained flat. Cost side, lithium carbonate prices saw a notable decline, cobalt sulphate extended its weakness with persistent declines, and nickel sulphate prices were basically flat. Meanwhile, new battery cell prices were generally stable; ternary new battery cell prices remained stable, while LFP energy storage new battery cell prices edged up. Correspondingly, downgraded A- and B-grade battery cells, anchored by new cell prices, also stabilized. Dismantled battery cells, supported by previous high procurement costs and rigid dismantling costs, had entered a phase of stability; coupled with limited circulation of qualified low-priced supply, prices had little upside and downside room.

SMM June 18 news:

Second-life Application This Week:

Second-life battery market prices were flat this week. On the cost side, lithium carbonate prices declined notably, cobalt sulphate continued its weak and persistent downward drift, and nickel sulphate prices were basically flat. Overall, new battery cell prices remained steady; ternary new battery cell prices stayed stable, while LFP energy storage new battery cell prices edged up slowly. Correspondingly, downgraded A- and B-grade cells, anchored by new product prices, also held steady and stabilized. Dismantled battery cells, supported by previous high procurement costs and the rigid cost of dismantling, have entered a phase of price stability. Additionally, the limited circulation of qualified low-priced supply left little upside and downside room for prices. Looking ahead, the second-life application market is expected to remain stable in the short term. The downward transmission on the cost side still needs time, and stable new product prices provide a clear price anchor for second-life products. Meanwhile, the pattern of persistent rigid demand support from energy storage and weak demand from the EV sector remains unchanged. Overall supply and demand are relatively balanced, making it difficult for broad-based price swings to occur across product categories.

SMM New Energy Research Team

Wang Cong 021-51666838

Ma Rui 021-51595780

Feng Disheng 021-51666714

Lyu Yanlin 021-20707875

Lei Yue 021-20707873

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