Lithium carbonate spot prices rise slightly

Today, the SMM battery-grade lithium carbonate index price has slightly risen compared to the previous working day. From the market trend, the main contract quickly peaked at 167,300 yuan/ton after opening, then oscillated down to the range of 161,000 yuan/ton to 164,000 yuan/ton, during which the open interest increased by about 7,000 lots at one point; however, around ten o’clock in the morning, the price began to decline steadily, accelerating down to around 155,000 yuan/ton in the closing phase. By the end of trading, the open interest had decreased by about 2,000 lots compared to the previous trading day. In terms of actual transaction conditions, driven by the price increase, upstream lithium salt manufacturers’ willingness to sell spot goods has slightly improved, with some companies making small sales at relatively high prices. On the other hand, downstream material manufacturers generally maintain a cautious wait-and-see attitude, with weak willingness to purchase spot goods, primarily focusing on just-in-time stock replenishment. Overall, market inquiries and actual transactions appear somewhat subdued. Considering the current active selling willingness of upstream lithium salt manufacturers at relatively high prices, while downstream material manufacturers are increasingly cautious after price increases, it is expected that lithium carbonate prices may maintain a fluctuating pattern in the short term. (SMM)