Lithium Extends Drop from 2-Year High

Lithium carbonate prices in China fell to CNY 180,000 per tonne from the over two-year high of CNY 200,500 from May 13th as higher prices drove producers to restart mining activity. Mineral Resources will restart its Bald Hill lithium mine following an 18-month suspension, while Core Lithium restarted its Finniss project, making up for shortages elsewhere. Zimbabwe imposed export quotas for lithium concentrates and a full export ban to start next year, and stated exports would be allowed for processed lithium to stimulate the investment in local processing. On the demand front, New data in top consumer China showed that new energy vehicles output, the top source of lithium demand due to their batteries, rose by 5.5% annually to 1.32 million units, while sales rose by 9.7% to 1.34 million units. Demand also remained supported by Chinese investment in power infrastructure, recently consolidated with Beijing stating it would double national EV charging capacity to 180 gigawatts by 2027.

Lithium carbonate prices in China were at CNY 191,000 per tonne, easing from the over two-year high of CNY 200,500 from May 13th as the surge in prices drove producers to restart mining activity. Mineral Resources will restart its Bald Hill lithium mine following an 18-month suspension, partially making up for lower output elsewhere. Zimbabwe had announced export quotas for lithium concentrates and a full export ban to start next year. Africa's top producer stated exports would be allowed for processed lithium to stimulate the investment in local processing. On the demand front, New data in top consumer China showed that new energy vehicles output, the top source of lithium demand due to their batteries, rose by 5.5% annually to 1.32 million units, while sales rose by 9.7% to 1.34 million units. Demand also remained supported by Chinese investment in power infrastructure, recently consolidated with Beijing stating it would double national EV charging capacity to 180 gigawatts by 2027.

Lithium carbonate prices in China rose past $195,000 per tonne in May, the highest in nearly three years, amid evidence of strong demand and supply tightness. The volatility in crude oil and refined fuel prices since the start of the war in the Middle East in March added to recent tailwinds on global demand for electric vehicles. New data in top consumer China showed that new energy vehicles output, the top source of lithium demand due to their batteries, rose by 5.5% annually to 1.32 million units, while sales rose by 9.7% to 1.34 million units. Demand also remained supported by Chinese investment in power infrastructure, recently consolidated with Beijing stating it would double national EV charging capacity to 180 gigawatts by 2027. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe announced quotas for exports of lithium concentrates and a full export ban to start next year. Africa's top producer stated exports would be allowed for processed lithium to stimulate the investment in local processing.