Lithium carbonate price drop to extend amid no notable demand recovery from cathode material producers

For the week ending December 7, lithium carbonate prices fell again. Most lithium salt companies continued to fulfil long-term orders. Due to losses and reduced contract manufacturing volumes, small-capacity lithium salt enterprises in Jiangxi ceased production for maintenance, with a minority expected to resume production within December. Large-scale domestic lithium salt enterprises were currently operating steadily. Futures prices for lithium carbonate dipped to a low before rising again, with buying sentiment among some cathode material companies recovering, leading to improved shipments for trading companies. According to Chilean customs data, in November, Chile exported 19,857 mt of lithium carbonate, with 13,592 mt going to China. In October, Chile exported 16,791 mt of lithium carbonate to China, which would supplement domestic supply. With large lithium salt producers operating smoothly and no significant increase in demand from cathode material companies in December, spot prices for lithium carbonate are expected to decrease slightly.