FX.co ★ Lithium Rises to 18-Month High

Lithium carbonate futures in China surged above CNY 94,000 per tonne in December, marking the highest level in 18 months, driven by a positive outlook for battery infrastructure demand. The world's largest lithium consumer, China, announced plans to double its electric vehicle (EV) charging capacity to 180 gigawatts by 2027. This initiative is set to bolster lithium-dependent energy storage systems through compensation mechanisms for power storage infrastructure. In addition, China's production of new energy vehicles grew by 33.1% in the first ten months of the year, with October sales capturing 51.6% of the market share, marking the first majority ever recorded for new energy vehicles. As a result, leading producer Ganfeng projected a 30% increase in lithium demand for the coming year. On the supply side, CATL announced plans to resume operations at the Jianxiawo mine before the year ends. The battery giant had previously halted activities at this key source after Beijing chose not to extend regulatory approvals, reflecting the Chinese government's strategy to curb the output of essential minerals to prevent deflationary pressures.