Lithium Falls to Near 1-Year Low

2026-11-09 11:24 By Andre Joaquim 1 min. read

Lithium carbonate prices in China fell to below CNY 95,000 per tonne in November, the least in nearly one year, amid the outlook of softer demand against signs of improving supply.

The EU was due to cap imports of Chinese electric vehicles at an annual 350,000 units as of next year, halving China's market share in the bloc.

The move is due to limit orders for batteries among Chinese EV producers at a time when data revisions showed elevated levels of stockpiles of battery inputs.

Industry group SMM changed its methodology for compiling inventory data, which led to a 175,000-tonne increase in Chinese stockpiles, double previous estimates.

In turn, Australian lithium producers continued to invest in new lithium projects.

Mineral Resources restarted the Bald Hill lithium mine following an 18-month suspension, while Core Lithium restarted its Finniss project.

Also, Rio Tinto expanded capacity in Argentinian projects of Fenix 1B and Sal de Vida with $1.4 billion in capital investments.



News Stream
Lithium Falls to Near 1-Year Low
Lithium carbonate prices in China fell to below CNY 95,000 per tonne in November, the least in nearly one year, amid the outlook of softer demand against signs of improving supply. The EU was due to cap imports of Chinese electric vehicles at an annual 350,000 units as of next year, halving China's market share in the bloc. The move is due to limit orders for batteries among Chinese EV producers at a time when data revisions showed elevated levels of stockpiles of battery inputs. Industry group SMM changed its methodology for compiling inventory data, which led to a 175,000-tonne increase in Chinese stockpiles, double previous estimates. In turn, Australian lithium producers continued to invest in new lithium projects. Mineral Resources restarted the Bald Hill lithium mine following an 18-month suspension, while Core Lithium restarted its Finniss project. Also, Rio Tinto expanded capacity in Argentinian projects of Fenix 1B and Sal de Vida with $1.4 billion in capital investments.
2026-11-09
Lithium Slides to 10-Month Low
Lithium carbonate prices in China slumped to CNY 100,000 per tonne in October, the lowest in nearly ten months, as growing concerns of softer demand was combined with ample supply. The EU is set to cap imports of Chinese hybrid electric vehicles at 350,000 units annually starting next year. The European Commission noted that this is expected to halve China's market share across the bloc, limiting orders from battery manufacturers in the region after recent data showed higher-than-expected lithium inventories. Industry group SMM changed its methodology for compiling inventory data, which led to a 175,000-tonne increase in Chinese stockpiles, double previous estimates. This coincided with a strong outlook for Australian producers, as Mineral Resources restarted the Bald Hill lithium mine following an 18-month suspension, while Core Lithium restarted its Finniss project.
2026-10-15
Lithium Falls to Near 10-Month Low
Lithium carbonate prices in China fell to CNY 115,000 per tonne in October, the lowest year-to-date, driven by a combination of softer demand and fresh evidence of a robust supply backdrop. The EU is set to cap imports of Chinese hybrid electric vehicles at 350,000 units annually starting next year. The European Commission noted that this is expected to halve China's market share across the bloc, limiting orders from battery manufacturers in the region after recent data showed higher-than-expected lithium inventories. Industry group SMM changed its methodology for compiling inventory data, which led to a 175,000-tonne increase in Chinese stockpiles, double previous estimates. This coincided with a strong outlook for Australian producers, as Mineral Resources restarted the Bald Hill lithium mine following an 18-month suspension, while Core Lithium restarted its Finniss project.
2026-10-12