FX.co ★ Lithium Slides from 1-Year High

Lithium carbonate prices have declined to CNY 72,800 per tonne, a decrease from the one-year peak of CNY 87,100 seen on August 19th. This change occurs amidst indications that supply restrictions may be less stringent than previously anticipated. It has been reported that mining activities at CATL's Jiangxi mine are expected to resume production sooner than market forecasts had predicted, following delays caused by the company's inability to extend mining permits. This development has tempered the previous surge in lithium prices. The Jiangxi hub contributes approximately 3% to the global lithium supply, and its reopening promises a direct increase in availability. Furthermore, this scenario limits the extent of supply cuts that the Chinese government might implement as part of its broader strategy to counteract deflationary pressures through capacity reductions. Concurrently, Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers continue to achieve robust sales figures, maintaining strong demand from battery producers as companies avoid cutting prices in their quest for market dominance.