SMM

SHANGHAI, Aug 8 (SMM) –
In July, China's lithium carbonate output was 45,314 mt, an increase of 10% MoM and 49% YoY. Despite maintenance by some smelters, output of lithium carbonate produced with spodumene rose thanks to growing raw material supply. While natural gas pipeline maintenance disrupted output, others resumed production after being affected by environmental protection checks or ramped up new capacity, driving output of lithium carbonate produced with lepidolite to grow significantly. In terms of salt lake enterprises, seasonal factor and ramp-up of new capacity sustained output growth. As for smelters who use scrap as raw material, their capacity continued to ramp up and technical upgrades also contributed to output growth. With ramp up of new capacity, the overall operating rates will keep growing this month. The lithium carbonate output in August is expected to be 46,701 mt, an increase of 3% MoM and 56% YoY.