Chinese Lithium Carbonate Smelters Shy Away From Expensive Australian Spodumene, Seeking Cheaper Australian Sources

SHANGHAI, Jun 13 (SMM) – Lepidolite prices rose slightly last week. With a large number of dressing plants still shut down, the supply of lepidolite concentrates remain tight and may not exceed last year. Due to the relatively high prices of lepidolite, some lithium carbonate smelters stood on the sidelines. Market players should keep an eye on how the imports of lepidolite from Africa will affect domestic lepidolite prices in the future. CIF prices of spodumene concentrates (Li 6%) were flat last week. Some Chinese lithium carbonate smelters were still disinclined to import expensive spodumene from Australia. Strong demand from Chinese lithium carbonate smelters slightly boosted the prices of low-grade spodumene imported from Africa.