[SMM Analysis] LCO: Prices Held Steady with Minor Adjustments, Awaiting Demand Signals

Published: Apr 30, 2026 16:33

LCO market prices were largely stable this week. Influenced by the narrow-range sideways movement of upstream lithium carbonate prices, LCO quotes saw minor follow-on adjustments, with overall fluctuations remaining limited. Demand side, battery cell manufacturers continued to draw down raw material inventory, and willingness to restock increased somewhat, though actual procurement remained cautious. Most market participants adopted a wait-and-see stance, with transactions mainly concentrated on orders on hand executed according to established plans. LCO prices are expected to continue consolidating within a stable range in the short term, and close attention should be paid to changes in orders from downstream enterprises and their restocking pace going forward.

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
Two Departments: Self-Generated Power Generation Ratio of Green Electricity Direct Connection Projects Shall Be No Less Than 60%
11 hours ago
Two Departments: Self-Generated Power Generation Ratio of Green Electricity Direct Connection Projects Shall Be No Less Than 60%
Read More
Two Departments: Self-Generated Power Generation Ratio of Green Electricity Direct Connection Projects Shall Be No Less Than 60%
Two Departments: Self-Generated Power Generation Ratio of Green Electricity Direct Connection Projects Shall Be No Less Than 60%
[Two Departments: Self-consumed Power Generation Ratio for Multi-user Green Electricity Direct Connection Projects Shall Be No Less Than 60%] The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the National Energy Administration issued a notice on matters related to the orderly promotion of multi-user green electricity direct connection development. The notice stated that provincial energy authorities should strengthen overall planning for such projects. Projects should reasonably plan new energy installed capacity in accordance with the principle of "determining supply based on demand," with the ratio of annual self-consumed power generation to total available power generation being no less than 60%, and the ratio to total electricity consumption being no less than 30%, rising to no less than 35% before 2030. The wind power and solar power generation capacity of projects is to be incorporated into the new energy power generation development and construction plans formulated by provincial energy authorities, with relevant planning management requirements implemented in accordance with the Notice on Matters Related to the Orderly Promotion of Green Electricity Direct Connection Development. Projects and their internal resources are exempt from electricity business permits, unless otherwise stipulated.
11 hours ago
China Huaneng and LONGi Green EnergyChina Huaneng and LONGi Green Energy Signed Strategic Cooperation Agreement
11 hours ago
China Huaneng and LONGi Green EnergyChina Huaneng and LONGi Green Energy Signed Strategic Cooperation Agreement
Read More
China Huaneng and LONGi Green EnergyChina Huaneng and LONGi Green Energy Signed Strategic Cooperation Agreement
China Huaneng and LONGi Green EnergyChina Huaneng and LONGi Green Energy Signed Strategic Cooperation Agreement
[China Huaneng and LONGi Green Energy Sign Strategic Cooperation Agreement] On May 19, according to China Huaneng, China Huaneng Group Co., Ltd. and LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd. signed a strategic cooperation agreement at the Group's headquarters. Under the cooperation agreement, the two parties will further cooperate in areas such as new energy project development, technological innovation, and industrial application.
11 hours ago
CATL and Shanxi to Jointly Build New Energy Entire Industry Chain Cluster
11 hours ago
CATL and Shanxi to Jointly Build New Energy Entire Industry Chain Cluster
Read More
CATL and Shanxi to Jointly Build New Energy Entire Industry Chain Cluster
CATL and Shanxi to Jointly Build New Energy Entire Industry Chain Cluster
[[CATL and Shanxi Province to Co-build New Energy Entire Industry Chain Cluster] Recently, CATL signed a deep strategic cooperation agreement with the People's Government of Shanxi Province in Taiyuan, Shanxi, and signed a zero-carbon city cooperation agreement with the People's Government of Datong City. The two sides will seize the strategic opportunities of "building a new-type energy system" and "becoming an energy powerhouse," jointly creating a new energy entire industry chain cluster driven by the dual engines of "aluminum-lithium," and building an application hub centered on battery swapping heavy-duty trucks.
11 hours ago
Register to Continue Reading
Gain access to the latest insights in metals and new energy
Already have an account?sign in here
[SMM Analysis] LCO: Prices Held Steady with Minor Adjustments, Awaiting Demand Signals - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)