Small output cuts, robust demand, high imports: No support for lithium prices
The news of CATL’s Jianxiawo mine closure briefly buoyed the lithium market in September, but the fact is that Chinese domestic lithium carbonate output in August, though down 6% m/m at 61.3Kt, was up 36% y/y and output for the year as a whole is up 46%. Into that environment, the relatively small cut at Jianxiawo doesn’t really mean that much and, with Chinese lithium carbonate imports of 17.5Kt, also up considerably y/y and y/y YTD, it's not a great look as well. Of course, demand is up too. LC demand is up 28% y/y YTD this year, but that’s...
Topics
Apparen consumption
Chile
Demand
Imports
Lithium Production
Prices
Production cuts