Latest Update in the SMM Lithium Battery Cathode Precursor and Material Market

In June 2024, China's import volume of ternary cathode materials (NCM+NCA combined) was 7,680 mt, down 11% MoM, up 1% YoY. Among them, NCM imports were 6,193 mt, down 13% MoM, up 2% YoY; NCA imports were 1,486 mt, down 1% MoM, down 1% YoY. In June 2024, China's export volume of ternary cathode materials (NCM+NCA combined) was 6,262 mt, down 9% MoM, down 25% YoY. Among them, NCM exports totaled 6,028 mt, down 10% MoM, down 24% YoY; NCA exports were 234 mt, up 24% MoM, down 49% YoY.

【SMM Analysis：The export volume of refined cobalt in June maintained an increase】In June 2024, China's imports of unwrought cobalt were approximately 258 mt in metal content, up 15% MoM, down 30% YoY.

Due to the continuous decline in lithium carbonate prices, the price trends of raw materials and lithium salts have diverged, leading to varying profit margins for different types of lithium salt producers. This article analyzes the recent developments in the lithium carbonate market and examines the profit margins of companies sourcing different types of raw materials.

This week (2024.07.22-2024.07.26), the spot price of lithium carbonate dropped significantly. The SMM battery-grade lithium carbonate index price fell from 86,038 yuan/mt to 84,709 yuan/mt, a decrease of 1,329 yuan/mt. Supply and demand side, the surplus is a foregone conclusion, and the current fundamentals of lithium carbonate continue to be weak.

【SMM Analysis: Artificial Graphite Export Volume Rebounded In June】In June 2024, China's artificial graphite imports were 650 mt……

[SMM Analysis: 2024 H1 Lithium Battery end users and Key Material Market Review & Future Outlook] SMM believes that whether battery companies can establish extensive sales channels, build brand image, and increase product quality in the future are also key factors determining their success or failure. The pace of global energy transition will continue to advance.

[SMM Data: LiPF6 Import and Export Data for June] In June 2024, China's cumulative export volume of LiPF6 was 1,627 mt, up approximately 32.5% MoM.

According to SMM statistics, from January to June 2024, the total production of LFP reached 861,530 mt, a significant YoY increase of 60%. Overall, after the traditional market off-season in January and February, LFP production saw a notable recovery in March and April, peaked in May, and began to decline in June due to downstream inventory reduction.