SMM data shows that in November 2023, China's production of Mn3O4 was 9,100 mt, which included 4,800 mt of electronic grade and 4,300 mt of battery grade, down 16.24% MoM and down 37.38% YoY. The cumulative production from January to November 2023 amounted to 116,000 mt, down 18.66% YoY. The production of battery-grade Mn3O4 saw a significant drop, primarily because the spot price of lithium carbonate entered a downward trend, leading to a substantial reduction in LMO orders and, consequently, a decrease in the procurement demand for battery-grade Mn3O4. On the other hand, the production of electronic-grade Mn3O4 remained stable, but the demand was hardly stimulated due to the downturn in the real estate market.
Market insights indicate a worsening LMO market downturn in December, likely causing a larger drop in LMO firms' production schedules. This will also reduce battery-grade Mn3O4 output, while electronic-grade Mn3O4 should remain stable. December's total Mn3O4 production is projected at about 7,900 mt.
