China NMC Cathode Material Output Fell 6% MoM in February due to Soaring Lithium Salt Prices and Spring Festival

SHANGHAI, Mar 18 (SMM) - SMM data showed that the domestic NMC cathode material output stood at 43,412 mt in February, down 6.16% MoM, but up 54.9% YoY. The MoM decline was due to a shorter month, lithium salt shortages and maintenance or closures during the CNY holiday.

The demand for NMC cathode materials declined in February due to rising NMC cathode material prices, a shorter month and CNY break by some battery makers.

The proportion of 5-series products in the product portfolio dropped slightly in February due to falling orders from battery makers. Entering March, the proportion is expected to rebound slightly.

The proportion of 8-series NMC materials increased slightly thanks to growing demand from the overseas NEV market, and the proportion may expand further in March.

Both supply and demand of NMC cathode materials will recover in March. The output is estimated at 47,964 mt in March, up 10% MoM and 53% YoY.