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Home > News > Lithium Carbonate Market Shifts as Supply-Demand Dynamics Reverse

Lithium Carbonate Market Shifts as Supply-Demand Dynamics Reverse

2026-03-26

Lithium Carbonate Market Shifts as Supply-Demand Dynamics Reverse

Recently, lithium carbonate prices have shown signs of stabilization and recovery. According to industry data, on March 24, battery‑grade lithium carbonate averaged RMB 14,750 per ton, while industrial‑grade averaged RMB 14,450 per ton, both up RMB 1,000 from the previous day. Since hitting a low of RMB 5,990 per ton in June 2025, prices have risen by more than 140%.

As a lithium battery manufacturer, we are keenly aware of how raw material price fluctuations directly impact costs and supply chain stability. The current price increase is not a short‑term disturbance but the result of a fundamental reversal in supply‑demand dynamics.

On the supply side, domestic lithium carbonate inventories remain low, destocking has slowed, and export policy changes in key producing regions like Zimbabwe have added uncertainty to resource supply. On the demand side, overseas markets—driven by high oil prices and growing computing power needs—have seen explosive growth in energy storage demand, which has become a core driver for lithium prices.

Industry perspectives widely agree that a turning point for the lithium carbonate sector has arrived. Many peers point out that global energy storage shipments are expected to reach 820 GWh in 2026, up nearly 58% year‑on‑year, providing solid support for lithium prices to move away from bottom levels. The average price this year is expected to shift upward to a range of RMB 120,000 to 180,000 per ton, and it is unlikely to return to the low levels seen in mid‑2025.

Regarding the first half of the year, industry views are generally consistent: prices will continue their upward trend and may even exceed RMB 200,000 per ton. However, the second half could see wide fluctuations followed by a pullback, with a possible turning point in the latter half of the year. Over the longer term, for the next 10 to 15 years, lithium carbonate demand is expected to enter a period of sustained strength, driven by continued expansion in electric vehicles and energy storage.

As a battery manufacturer, we will continue to monitor upstream resource strategies and supply chain resilience. While navigating raw material price volatility, we remain committed to stable operations and working with partners across the value chain to promote sustainable development of the industry.

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