According to the Commodity Market Analysis System of Shengyi Society, there was a slight rebound in the price of lithium carbonate in mid April. As of the 14th of April, the average price of domestic battery grade lithium carbonate was 70933 yuan/ton, a decrease of 4.1% from the beginning of the month at 73966 yuan/ton and a decrease of 39.27% from the same period last year at 116800 yuan/ton; The average price of industrial grade lithium carbonate in China is 69333 yuan/ton, a decrease of 4.37% from the beginning of the month at 72500 yuan/ton and a decrease of 36.27% from the same period last year at 108800 yuan/ton.

Low price selling of old inventory in the field
The inventory of the entire lithium battery industry chain increased by 2900 tons to 129000 tons compared to last week, with a significant increase in inventory at smelters to 51000 tons and downstream material factories to 39700 tons. Some traders sold off low-quality old inventory at prices lower than 300-500 yuan/ton for new goods, and some February battery grade lithium carbonate transaction prices even fell below 68000 yuan/ton, stimulating material factories to replenish inventory at low prices.
Tariff policies affect terminal shipments
The new round of mutual tariffs between China and the United States involves lithium battery cathode materials, with an 8% increase in export costs for ternary materials and a 5% increase for lithium iron phosphate materials, which may suppress overseas orders in the second quarter. According to estimates, tariff adjustments may lead to a reduction of 120000 tons in the annual export volume of lithium batteries, corresponding to a decrease of 18000 tons in demand for lithium carbonate.
The fundamental situation of oversupply remains unchanged
As production enterprises resume work and production, the social inventory of lithium carbonate continues to accumulate. Although some lithium salt factories with high costs have reduced production to varying degrees, the reduction is relatively limited. Domestic lithium carbonate production still maintains a high level of operation, and downstream demand growth has slightly slowed down. The pattern of excess lithium carbonate is difficult to change.
Business Society’s lithium carbonate data analyst believes that the lithium carbonate market is currently in a weak equilibrium state, and the short-term rebound is constrained by inventory pressure and weak demand. Prices will not experience a significant rebound, and it is expected to continue to bottom out and fluctuate. Specific market changes still need to be monitored.