By MARTIM FACADA
First published: Monday, 24 April 2017
The lithium market across the three major regional markets – the US, Europe and China – has been relatively stable in April so far, supported by continuous growth in the Chinese battery sector.
The Chinese domestic market – which has higher spot market activity than the other two western regions – continues to report high levels of activity due to demand from the booming domestic battery sector.
Lithium carbonate spot prices (min. 99-99.5% Li2CO3, CIF China) remain between $18-21/kg for lots of 20 tonnes of material while lithium hydroxide (56.5-57.5% LiOH, CIF China) continues to trade at $20.50-24/kg.
In the US and Europe, the market has remained fairly stable in April although it should be noted that lithium carbonate contract prices have moved up slightly on the low end.
Large biannual contracts for lithium carbonate (min. 99-99.5% Li2CO3, del. US and Europe) saw a small increase of $0.50/kg on the low end to $10.50-16/kg from $10-16/kg previously, while large quarterly contracts rose by $1/kg on the low end to $11-18/kg from $10-18 previously.
Persisting higher prices in China, bullish sentiment and tightness of lithium carbonate on the market were the main reasons cited to IM driving the small increase.
Meanwhile, spot sales in the US and Europe are being reported as high as $18/kg for lithium carbonate (min. 99-99.5% Li2CO3, del. US and Europe).
Lithium hydroxide (56.5-57.5% LiOH, del. US and Europe) contract prices remain unchanged at $14-20/kg.
Link to full article at IndMin website here