Electrolyte salts have broken the 175k barrier, averaging 176,000 RMB/t ($24,871). Cost support from AHF and LiF remains robust, with tight supply persisting.
After last week's fluctuation, anode prices stabilized at 27,500 RMB/t ($3,886). The market is balancing high demand against significant overcapacity.
LFP (Power) prices nudged higher to 41,000 RMB/t ($5,794) driven by rising Iron Phosphate costs and brisk downstream demand.
Unlike other cathodes, LMO prices dipped slightly to 40,500 RMB/t ($5,723) as demand slackens entering the off-season.
Anode Materials
Mid-Grade Artificial
$3,886 USD/t
NCM Cathodes
5-Series (Single Crystal)
$20,264 USD/t
LCO Cathode
4.45V Grade
$53,839 USD/t
LFP Cathode
Power Grade
$5,794 USD/t
Lithium Carbonate
Battery Grade
$13,071 USD/t (Fluctuating)
Lithium Hydroxide
Battery (Granular)
$11,587 USD/t
Electrolyte Salt
LiPF₆
$24,871 USD/t
Anode Feedstocks
GPC & Pitch
Fluctuating
Prices stabilized this week after recent fluctuations.
After recent volatility, the anode market "stabilized temporarily." Large enterprises are maintaining high production loads, but bargaining power remains weak due to overcapacity.
Demand remains bullish from the battery cell market. Major producers have sufficient orders, but small-to-mid size players are producing strictly on sales.
Raw material GPC showed fluctuations while Needle Coke ran bullish. These provided "limited cost support," leaving anode makers in a buy-sell confrontation.
Snapshot Analysis: LFP continued its upward trend (+150 RMB/t) as some producers conducted turnaround and Iron Phosphate costs rose. NCM remained largely stable with small corrections. LMO prices edged down on lukewarm demand and slack season effects.
LFP strength contrasts with LMO weakness this week.
Market Dynamics: LCE "increased then declined" this week. Futures prices fluctuated, and while some high-priced shipments occurred, downstream acceptance remains limited. Inventory has dropped slightly, but new capacity in Northwest China is constantly releasing.
Market vibrating within a narrow range after recent hikes.
LiOH "moved up further" on strong spodumene support.
LiPF₆ continued its rally to ~$25k/t.
LiPF₆ rose further due to climbing AHF and LiF costs. Phosphorus Pentachloride remained steady. Despite some production restarts, supply remains tight against robust demand.
LFP supply decreased as individual enterprises in Southwest and East China conducted turnarounds. Coupled with brisk demand, this pushed prices up.
Raw material spodumene prices "stood high," providing rigid cost support for the Lithium Hydroxide (LiOH) market, which moved up despite low production levels.
Anode prices stabilized, but producers still face "weaker bargaining power" due to overcapacity. Production is high, but mainly for fulfilling existing orders.
Procurement Strategy: LiPF₆ momentum is strong; anticipate further hikes of 5k-8k RMB next week. LiOH is also running strong; secure supply now.
Manufacturing & Risk: LFP inventory is dropping; verify supplier turnaround schedules. Monitor LCE closely as new capacity releases in Northwest China could dampen upside.
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