More lithium carbonate smelters may undertake maintenance for seasonal and market factors

For the week ending December 21, lithium carbonate prices kept falling. Domestic large lithium salt producers maintained stable production. November saw lithium carbonate imports reach about 17,000 mt, up 58.33% MoM. Chile exported 13,600 mt to China in November, meaning imports will remain high in December. Approaching year's end, some lithium salt firms are inclined to sell to alleviate inventory pressure, leading to plentiful supply. Cathode manufacturers reduced orders and strived to maintain low raw material inventories, resulting in low demand for spot lithium carbonate. Short-term domestic spot prices for lithium carbonate are expected to remain low. It is important to note that some lithium salt companies that purchase lithium ore externally were executing long-term agreements signed earlier and maintained stable production while operating at a loss, warranting attention to their post-new year production plans. In Jiangxi, some smaller lithium salt companies have gradually ceased operations following a reduction in subcontracting orders. Additionally, lithium salt companies often have seasonal maintenance around the Chinese New Year, and routine maintenance is expected at some companies.