SMM

In the week ending November 23, lithium carbonate prices experienced a notable decrease. Overseas lithium mines altered their settlement methods from Q-1 to M+1, slightly reducing the costs for lithium salt producers buying lithium ore. Lithium salt producers, previously on hold for maintenance or production stops, resumed normal operations in early November. Potential additional releases from certain salt lakes are expected. Chile's increased lithium carbonate exports to China in October hinted at a rise in China's domestic supply in November. With lithium carbonate prices falling, cathode material producers showed little interest in spot purchases, favoring long-term deals. The market premium for lithium carbonate was declining, with some traders selling at a discount, intensifying the price drop due to a short-term supply-demand mismatch. However, the steep price fall has subtly shifted purchasing attitudes among downstream cathode material producers at lower spot prices. While their overall stance remains unchanged, there's an uptick in market inquiries, suggesting a potential slowdown in the decline of spot lithium carbonate prices soon.