According to data from the CPCA, lithium battery exports reached 926,000 mt in January-February 2026, up 63%, while export value rose 43% to $14.2 billion. The export price of lithium-ion batteries fell from $27,300/mt in 2023 and $20,100/mt in 2024 to $15,700/mt, and further to $15,300/mt in 2026. The average price in 2026 declined only 10% YoY, a marked improvement from the 26% drop in 2024 and the 22% drop in 2025.
Apr 3, 2026 19:30[ION Minerals Expands Its Lithium Resources Footprint in Texas and Saskatchewan] ION Minerals said it had achieved a major expansion of its diversified lithium resources portfolio in the US and Canada. In a late-March news release, the Houston-based company said the expanded land footprint was achieved through prudent acquisitions, targeted leasing, and focused geological assessments. ION now controls more than 280,000 acres across three project areas, further cementing its position as a leading developer of critical lithium resources for the North American battery supply chain. Smackover is a subsurface geological formation stretching from Florida to Texas and is rich in lithium brine. Source: https://www.mining.com/ [EnergyX's "Lone Star" Project Revolutionizes Domestic Lithium Production in the US] EnergyX's groundbreaking "Lone Star" project marked a major milestone in the US pursuit of critical minerals independence through advanced direct lithium extraction technology. This pioneering facility is the first commercial-scale direct lithium extraction plant to enter operation in the US, addressing long-standing supply chain vulnerabilities while establishing an operational framework for domestic battery-grade lithium production. As demand for critical minerals accelerates amid the global energy transition, the project demonstrates how innovative extraction technologies can transform regional resources into strategic assets. Direct lithium extraction differs fundamentally from traditional mining methods, targeting subsurface brine rather than hard-rock deposits or surface evaporation systems. EnergyX's "Lone Star" project demonstrated this approach through its GET-Lit™ technology, which uses advanced filtration and chemical separation processes to treat brine from the Smackover formation. Source: https://discoveryalert.com.au/ [University of Surrey Develops a Lithium-Ion Battery Anode to Enhance Energy Storage] Researchers at the University of Surrey's Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) developed a new-type battery design that could significantly extend EV driving range. In a study published in ACS Applied Energy Materials, the researchers introduced a lithium-ion battery anode. The anode achieved one of the highest energy storage capacities reported to date in a silicon-carbon nanotube system, while remaining stable after hundreds of charge cycles. Lithium-ion batteries power a wide range of devices in modern technology. Graphite is the most commonly used anode material, offering high stability but limited energy storage capacity. By contrast, silicon has a much higher capacity, but it expands during charging, causing cracking and performance degradation over time. Source: https://www.automotivepowertraintechnologyinternational.com/
Apr 3, 2026 09:29Researchers at Chungnam National University have developed next-generation zinc batteries using artificial polymer nanolayers to significantly improve stability. This novel protective coating helps prevent dendrite formation and reduces unwanted side reactions, enhancing the overall reliability and practicality of zinc-ion batteries. Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are increasingly being recognized as a safer and more cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Although LIBs remain the dominant energy storage solution, they pose safety concerns due to their use of flammable organic electrolytes. In comparison, aqueous ZIBs rely on water-based electrolytes, making them non-flammable, more environmentally friendly, and cheaper.
Apr 2, 2026 11:44On March 16, the Longwan District Bureau of Ecology and Environment released the environmental impact assessment public notice for the "Spent Power Battery Dismantling and Standardized Cascade Utilization Project" undertaken by a battery energy company in Wenzhou. The project primarily involves battery assembly processes. It will add an annual capacity for cascade utilization of 5,000 tons of spent lithium-ion batteries, which are primarily used for base station backup power and energy storage systems.
Mar 27, 2026 17:36On March 20, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the environmental impact assessment approval process for construction projects, the Jiujiang Municipal Bureau of Ecology and Environment planned to accept the environmental impact assessment documents for the "Ruichang City Lithium New Energy Battery Material Regeneration Production Project" undertaken by a company in Jiangxi. The core content of the project is to construct a comprehensive project for the precise recycling and regeneration of spent lithium battery materials, with a planned annual processing capacity of 38,000 tons of spent lithium-ion batteries. This includes 2 precise dismantling and material regeneration lines for lithium iron phosphate, with an annual processing capacity of 20,000 tons;
Mar 27, 2026 17:35Recently, the People's Government of Longwan District, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, released the environmental impact assessment public notice for the "Spent Power Battery Dismantling and Standardized Cascade Utilization Project" undertaken by a battery energy company in Wenzhou. According to the public notice, a battery energy company in Wenzhou will utilize its existing factory building to construct 2 cascade utilization dismantling production lines, primarily for battery dismantling and testing processes. It will also construct 1 CTP production line (module, pack assembly line) in Min'ke Base Yongxing Nanyuan, Wenzhou, primarily for battery assembly processes. This will add an annual capacity for cascade utilization of 5,000 tons of spent lithium-ion batteries.
Mar 27, 2026 17:321. SMM 8μm Lithium Battery Copper Foil premium, cif Korea, $/tonne Methodology 1.1 General Principles of SMM Price Assessment Methodology SMM (hereinafter referred to as SMM) is a completely independent third-party service provider that does not participate in any substantive transactions. Instead, it maintains close communication with buyers or sellers in transactions as a market observer or organizer, and provides relevant services to the market. SMM continuously formulates, reviews, and revises its methodologies through communication with industry insiders, adopting the most common product specifications, trade terms, and trade conditions in the industry. It attaches equal importance to normal transactions that meet the specification standards. SMM reserves the right to exclude any price data information deemed to be of poor reliability or non-representative from its price assessments. SMM publishes daily spot metal prices (or price indices, including those for the Chinese market, markets outside China, and global markets), commonly referred to as SMM prices. For each published SMM price, SMM has established a corresponding methodology (all of which are available for reference on SMM’s official website, www.smm.cn). The methodology specifies the methods and procedures for generating and publishing SMM prices, and SMM strictly adheres to these provisions when producing and releasing SMM prices. To align with the actual conditions of the spot market, SMM may make necessary revisions to its price assessment methodology. Such revisions will be announced on SMM’s official website, www.smm.cn, 28 days prior to their formal implementation. For any questions or suggestions regarding SMM prices or their methodology, please contact SMM customer service (contact information can be found on SMM’s official website, www.smm.cn). This document outlines the standards for establishing SMM 8μm Lithium Battery Copper Foil premium, cif Korea, $/tonne. The purpose of SMM in developing this standard is to establish a transparent and verifiable mechanism for SMM price determination. The SMM Benchmark Management Committee also regularly reviews the methodology and its assessment and publication processes. This committee oversees SMM’s methodology and compilation process, ensuring that the prices or indices reflect, as accurately as possible, the objective conditions of the physical spot market for the relevant commodities. If the committee identifies any issues, it will promptly highlight them and propose external consultation and revisions to the current methodology or processes, thereby enhancing the quality of the prices or indices published by SMM. The committee may only propose modifications to the methodology and procedures used for future price or index assessments it cannot alter already published prices or indices. 2. Formation of SMM 8μm Lithium Battery Copper Foil premium, cif Korea, $/tonne 2.1 Significance of the Price Assessment In recent years, with the implementation of domestic and overseas NEV policies and the rapid expansion of NEV production, copper foil used as the anode carrier in lithium-ion batteries has shown a surge in demand. Meanwhile, the new infrastructure wave represented by 5G, along with rapid developments in artificial intelligence, big data, and automotive electronics, has driven increasing demand for copper foil in related electronic circuit industries. The copper foil industry is also advancing toward higher precision, density, and reliability. As industry capacity rises and develops, and enterprises expand into overseas markets such as South Korea, there is a growing need for a fair and standardized operating environment. Copper foil processing fees, beneficial for long-term risk control and management, play a crucial role in the industry's development. In light of this, SMM will officially launch weekly SMM 8μm Lithium Battery Copper Foil premium, cif Korea, $/tonne starting December 26, 2025, at which time SMM price members will be able to simultaneously access historical prices. 2.2 SMM 8μm Lithium Battery Copper Foil premium, cif Korea, $/tonne Price Assessment Methodology 2.2.1 Product Specifications and Standards Given the wide variety of copper foil specifications, SMM uses the 8μm with the largest market share for copper foil premium assessments. The premium assessment adopts 8μm thickness product width: 700-1,000 mm product type: Power Battery with Ordinary Tensile Strength. KS C 2211-2002 Electrolytic Deposit Copper Foil for Printed Circuits standard. 2.2.2 Price Terms The price is a VAT-excluded CIF price at major ports in Korea based on the premium over LME CSP, with a quotation period of M+0 (M M stands for arrival month), quoted in USD per metric ton. 2.2.3 Payment Terms The price assessment reflects payment terms for cash transactions in the month of the transaction. Reference is made to major international payment methods (including D/P documents against payment, D/A documents against acceptance, T/T telegraphic transfer, etc.). If significant deviations from this standard occur, SMM will consider whether to exclude individual samples based on trade volume. For forward payments or letter of credit payments, SMM will adjust based on prevailing interest rates to align with this standard. 2.2.4 Delivery Time Within 4 weeks. 2.2.5 Reference Transaction Volume Min 25 tonnes. 2.2.6 Delivery Location Major Ports in Korea. 2.2.7 Price Publication Time Weekly, last trading day of the week, by 1pm Seoul time. 2.2.8 Price Format The assessed price are presented as a range, indicating the lowest and highest prices. For example: 8μm Lithium Battery Copper Foil premium, cif Korea, $/tonne range 3,000-4,000 $/tonne, average: 3,500 $/tonne. 2.2.9 Price Collection Method SMM will, in accordance with the price collection confirmation agreement, have price analysts regularly collect price information from copper foil industry price contacts via phone, QQ, WeChat, fax, and email. This price information includes concluded transaction prices, the enterprise's expected most likely pending transaction prices, etc. All instant messaging content, email communications, and any records of face-to-face communications will be archived details of phone communications will be recorded and entered into the database. SMM analysts must comply with the Compliance System when reporting any forced or threatened communications from market participants, or any induced offers attempting to influence the assessment. Once published, SMM will not revise or adjust the price on the same day. 2.2.9.1 Assessment (Calculation) of Published Prices Step-1: The final dataset from the previous chapter, which exists as a processing fee range, is split into several lower limit values and several upper limit values for two different types of enterprise classifications in this methodology version: copper foil producers and downstream end-users. Arithmetic averages are calculated for both sets and rounded to the nearest whole number. Among these: - When both transaction information and offer/counteroffer information are present, the weight of transaction information is set at 60%, and offer/counteroffer information at 40%. - When transaction information, offer/counteroffer information, and other information are all present, the weight of transaction information is set at 50%, offer/counteroffer information at 40%, and other information at 10%. - When only offer/counteroffer information and other information are present, the weight of offer/counteroffer information is set at 90%, and other information at 10%. Step-2: The two price ranges derived from the previous step, which exist as processing fee states, are split into two lower limit values and two upper limit values. Weights are applied, and weighted averages are calculated, then rounded to the nearest whole number. In this methodology version, copper foil producers are weighted at 50%, and downstream enterprises at 50%. Step-3: The relevant calculation coefficients above will be adjusted every six months to ensure timeliness. 2.2.9.2 Data Standardization Although SMM has standardized definitions for our prices, diversity exists in market transactions. The price of each transaction is influenced by numerous factors, including order size, brand of goods, delivery time, payment terms, etc. SMM will comprehensively consider market offers, bids, and transaction information, aligning them with our standards. Each price datum will be electronically recorded or accompanied by written records. All electronic and paper records must be archived by price collection personnel and retained long-term (at least 5 years) in secure network and physical environments. For details, please refer to the SMM Data Retention Policy. 2.2.9.3 Price Assessment Process The specific process is as follows: 2.3 Methodology Changes All markets change, and SMM has a responsibility to ensure that the methodology for market reports evolves with the market. Therefore, SMM will regularly conduct internal reviews of the methodology's appropriateness based on industry feedback. For all substantive but non-urgent potential modifications, SMM will follow a formal external consultation process. Major changes will then be announced with a notice period of at least 28 days, inviting industry comments, unless special circumstances, particularly force majeure (natural disasters, war, exchange bankruptcy, etc.), necessitate a shorter notice period. SMM is committed to carefully considering all comments on proposed methodology changes, but in some cases, it may be necessary to proceed with changes contrary to the wishes of some market participants. Additionally, SMM has a formal methodology consultation process. SMM commits to holding a formal consultation on the methodology every three years. The date of the last consultation and the deadline for the next consultation committed by SMM are located at the top of the methodology document. 2.4 Compliance with SMM Policies All relevant SMM employees must not only comply with the methodology published by SMM but also adhere to SMM's internal standards and policies. These include: SMM Conflict of Interest Policy, SMM Whistleblower Policy, SMM Error Correction Policy, SMM Methodology Review Consultation and Change Policy, SMM Complaints Policy, etc. Welcome more relevant enterprises in the industry chain to participate and support SMM in better serving related enterprises in the copper foil industry chain. For inquiries, please contact: Shanghai Metals Market Copper Research Team, Shanyu Jiang Contact: 021-20707916, +86 15615750662
PriceDec 23, 2025 15:00Dear User: Hello! Due to an error on our part, the data for "Li-ion Battery Export by Country" under the new energy category was incorrect. We are now making corrections to this set of indicator data. I. Scope of Adjustment The quantity and average price indicator data under the database category "New Energy-Lithium-ion Battery-Lithium Ion Battery-Export-Li-ion Battery Export by Country" II. Adjustment Details 1. The export quantity of lithium-ion batteries by country is adjusted to: current data value × 1,000. 2. The average export price of lithium-ion batteries by country is adjusted to: current data value ÷ 1,000. This correction will take effect on December 12, 2025. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and trouble caused and will strive to avoid such issues in our future work.
DataDec 2, 2025 18:261. SMM 8μm Lithium Battery Copper Foil premium, CIF US, USD/tonne Methodology 1.1 General Principles of SMM Price Assessment Methodology SMM (hereinafter referred to as SMM) is a completely independent third-party service provider that does not participate in any substantive transactions. Instead, it maintains close communication with buyers or sellers in transactions as a market observer or organizer, and provides relevant services to the market. SMM continuously formulates, reviews, and revises its methodologies through communication with industry insiders, adopting the most common product specifications, trade terms, and trade conditions in the industry. It attaches equal importance to normal transactions that meet the specification standards. SMM reserves the right to exclude any price data information deemed to be of poor reliability or non-representative from its price assessments. SMM publishes daily spot metal prices (or price indices, including those for the Chinese market, markets outside China, and global markets), commonly referred to as SMM prices. For each published SMM price, SMM has established a corresponding methodology (all of which are available for reference on SMM’s official website, www.smm.cn). The methodology specifies the methods and procedures for generating and publishing SMM prices, and SMM strictly adheres to these provisions when producing and releasing SMM prices. To align with the actual conditions of the spot market, SMM may make necessary revisions to its price assessment methodology. Such revisions will be announced on SMM’s official website, www.smm.cn, 28 days prior to their formal implementation. For any questions or suggestions regarding SMM prices or their methodology, please contact SMM customer service (contact information can be found on SMM’s official website, www.smm.cn). This document outlines the standards for establishing SMM 8μm Lithium Battery Copper Foil premium, CIF US, USD/tonne. The purpose of SMM in developing this standard is to establish a transparent and verifiable mechanism for SMM price determination. The SMM Benchmark Management Committee also regularly reviews the methodology and its assessment and publication processes. This committee oversees SMM’s methodology and compilation process, ensuring that the prices or indices reflect, as accurately as possible, the objective conditions of the physical spot market for the relevant commodities. If the committee identifies any issues, it will promptly highlight them and propose external consultation and revisions to the current methodology or processes, thereby enhancing the quality of the prices or indices published by SMM. The committee may only propose modifications to the methodology and procedures used for future price or index assessments it cannot alter already published prices or indices. 2. Formation of SMM 8μm Lithium Battery Copper Foil premium, CIF US, USD/tonne 2.1 Significance of the Price Assessment In recent years, with the implementation of domestic and overseas new energy vehicle policies and the rapid expansion of NEV production, copper foil used as the anode carrier in lithium-ion batteries has shown a surge in demand. The wave of new infrastructure represented by 5G, along with rapid developments in artificial intelligence, big data, and automotive electronics, has increasingly expanded the demand for copper foil in related electronic circuit industries. The copper foil industry is also moving towards higher precision, density, and reliability. With the rise and development of industry capacity, overseas markets such as the US increasingly require a fair and standardized operating environment. Copper foil processing fees have long been beneficial for enterprises to control risks and facilitate management, playing a crucial role in the industry's development. In view of this, SMM will officially launch weekly price assessments for 8μm Lithium Battery Copper Foil premium, CIF US, USD/tonne starting October 10, 2025. SMM price members will be able to simultaneously access historical prices at that time. 2.2 SMM 8μm Lithium Battery Copper Foil premium, CIF US, USD/tonne Price Assessment Methodology 2.2.1 Product Specifications and Standards Given the wide variety of copper foil specifications, SMM uses the 8μm with the largest market share for copper foil premium assessments. The premium assessment adopts 8μm thickness product width: 700-1,000 mm product type: Power Battery with Ordinary Tensile Strength. 2.2.2 Price Terms The price is a VAT-excluded CIF price at major ports on the US east coast based on the premium over LME CSP, with a quotation period of M+0 (M being the month of shipment), quoted in US dollars per metric ton. 2.2.3 Payment Terms The price assessment reflects payment terms for cash transactions in the month of the transaction. Reference is made to major international payment methods (including D/P documents against payment, D/A documents against acceptance, T/T telegraphic transfer, etc.). If significant deviations from this standard occur, SMM will consider whether to exclude individual samples based on trade volume. For forward payments or letter of credit payments, SMM will adjust based on prevailing interest rates to align with this standard. 2.2.4 Delivery Time Within 2 months. 2.2.5 Reference Transaction Volume Min 25 tonnes. 2.2.6 Delivery Location Major Ports on the US East Coast. 2.2.7 Price Publication Time Weekly, by 1:00 US time. 2.2.8 Price Format The assessed price are presented as a range, indicating the lowest and highest prices. For example: 8μm Lithium Battery Copper Foil premium, CIF US, USD/tonne range 5,000-6,000 USD/tonne, average: 5,500 USD/tonne. 2.2.9 Price Collection Method SMM will, in accordance with the price collection confirmation agreement, have price analysts regularly collect price information from copper foil industry price contacts via phone, QQ, WeChat, fax, and email. This price information includes concluded transaction prices, the enterprise's expected most likely pending transaction prices, etc. All instant messaging content, email communications, and any records of face-to-face communications will be archived details of phone communications will be recorded and entered into the database. SMM analysts must comply with the Compliance System when reporting any forced or threatened communications from market participants, or any induced offers attempting to influence the assessment. Once published, SMM will not revise or adjust the price on the same day. 2.2.9.1 Assessment (Calculation) of Published Prices Step-1: The final dataset from the previous chapter, which exists as a processing fee range, is split into several lower limit values and several upper limit values for two different types of enterprise classifications in this methodology version: copper foil producers and downstream end-users. Arithmetic averages are calculated for both sets and rounded to the nearest whole number. Among these: - When both transaction information and offer/counteroffer information are present, the weight of transaction information is set at 60%, and offer/counteroffer information at 40%. - When transaction information, offer/counteroffer information, and other information are all present, the weight of transaction information is set at 50%, offer/counteroffer information at 40%, and other information at 10%. - When only offer/counteroffer information and other information are present, the weight of offer/counteroffer information is set at 90%, and other information at 10%. Step-2: The two price ranges derived from the previous step, which exist as processing fee states, are split into two lower limit values and two upper limit values. Weights are applied, and weighted averages are calculated, then rounded to the nearest whole number. In this methodology version, copper foil producers are weighted at 60%, and downstream enterprises at 40%. Step-3: The relevant calculation coefficients above will be adjusted every six months to ensure timeliness. 2.2.9.2 Data Standardization Although SMM has standardized definitions for our prices, diversity exists in market transactions. The price of each transaction is influenced by numerous factors, including order size, brand of goods, delivery time, payment terms, etc. SMM will comprehensively consider market offers, bids, and transaction information, aligning them with our standards. Each price datum will be electronically recorded or accompanied by written records. All electronic and paper records must be archived by price collection personnel and retained long-term (at least 5 years) in secure network and physical environments. For details, please refer to the SMM Data Retention Policy. 2.2.9.3 Price Assessment Process The specific process is as follows: 2.3 Methodology Changes All markets change, and SMM has a responsibility to ensure that the methodology for market reports evolves with the market. Therefore, SMM will regularly conduct internal reviews of the methodology's appropriateness based on industry feedback. For all substantive but non-urgent potential modifications, SMM will follow a formal external consultation process. Major changes will then be announced with a notice period of at least 28 days, inviting industry comments, unless special circumstances, particularly force majeure (natural disasters, war, exchange bankruptcy, etc.), necessitate a shorter notice period. SMM is committed to carefully considering all comments on proposed methodology changes, but in some cases, it may be necessary to proceed with changes contrary to the wishes of some market participants. Additionally, SMM has a formal methodology consultation process. SMM commits to holding a formal consultation on the methodology every three years. The date of the last consultation and the deadline for the next consultation committed by SMM are located at the top of the methodology document. 2.4 Compliance with SMM Policies All relevant SMM employees must not only comply with the methodology published by SMM but also adhere to SMM's internal standards and policies. These include: SMM Conflict of Interest Policy, SMM Whistleblower Policy, SMM Error Correction Policy, SMM Methodology Review Consultation and Change Policy, SMM Complaints Policy, etc. Welcome more relevant enterprises in the industry chain to participate and support SMM in better serving related enterprises in the copper foil industry chain. For inquiries, please contact: Shanghai Metals Market Copper Research Team, Shanyu Jiang Contact: 021-20707916, +86 15615750662
PriceSep 25, 2025 16:18