Price trend
According to the data monitoring of SunSirs, the prices of industrial-grade and battery-grade lithium carbonate continued to rise slightly this week. On August 18, the average price of industrial-grade lithium carbonate in East China was 464,000 RMB/ton, which was 0.22% higher than the average price at the beginning of the week (the average price of industrial-grade lithium carbonate in East China was 463,000 RMB/ton on August 14). On August 18, the average price of battery-grade lithium carbonate in East China was 481,600 RMB/ton, which was 0.21% higher than the average price at the beginning of the week (the average price of battery-grade lithium carbonate in East China was 480,600 RMB/ton on August 14).
Analysis review
By observing market changes, the price of lithium carbonate continued to fluctuate upwards this week. The shortage of raw material supply could not be fundamentally relieved in the short term, and the operating rate of some manufacturers was still lower than expected. Currently at the peak of electricity consumption in summer, under the influence of the power restriction policy in some areas, the overall output of local lithium salt enterprises was reduced, thus causing the price of lithium carbonate to fluctuate upwards.
In terms of demand, the downstream market has recovered slightly, and many iron and lithium manufacturers have continued to increase their new production capacity in the climbing stage, which has increased market stocking and overall demand.
The price of lithium hydroxide in the downstream was stable, the price of lithium carbonate in the upstream was slightly rising, and the raw material of spodumene was in short supply, and the cost support was strong. The intention of enterprises to ship at low prices had weakened, and demand was recovering. Under the boost of cost, the domestic industrial-grade lithium hydroxide market had a strong focus on negotiation, but the actual transaction price was still stable.
Downstream lithium iron phosphate prices ran smoothly. The supply of goods from manufacturers was still tight, and the supply side was obviously insufficient. It was mainly based on contract customers arranging orders for delivery. The number of new orders was limited, and the overall market negotiation atmosphere was acceptable.
Market outlook
Lithium carbonate analysts from SunSirs believe that, under the influence of the current limited power policy, many lithium salt manufacturers in Sichuan have reduced production and limited production. The market supply of lithium carbonate has been impacted to a corresponding degree, and it is expected that the price of lithium carbonate will remain strong in the short term.
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