SMM

Lithium carbonate prices were weak but stable in the week ending January 4. Supply side: Post-New Year, some lithium salt firms under performance pressure are raising lithium carbonate prices. Others buying spodumene and selling spot lithium carbonate still face losses. Lithium carbonate futures outpacing spot prices has led most in the industry to hold firm on spot sale prices. Meanwhile, there's a growing trend of higher discount rates for long-term contracts among lithium salt firms. Demand side: Cathode material producers mostly can't accept high-priced lithium carbonate. There has been an increase in inquiries from cathode material companies in the market, and some of these businesses have started to procure lithium carbonate at comparatively lower prices. Overall, with more orders from sectors like cathode material production but no stable rise in lithium ore prices, battery-grade lithium carbonate spot prices are expected to remain weak.