Year-to-date, lithium carbonate prices have trended upward with volatility; cumulative gains since the start of the year have exceeded 60% at the high end. On May 27, the main lithium carbonate contract on the Guangzhou Futures Exchange closed at 173,000 yuan/ton. Although this is somewhat below recent peaks, the year-to-date increase remains substantial. Several analysts say the current price rally is driven by multiple supply-side disruptions coinciding with stronger-than-expected demand; indu

Year-to-date, lithium carbonate prices have trended upward with volatility; cumulative gains since the start of the year have exceeded 60% at the high end. On May 27, the main lithium carbonate contract on the Guangzhou Futures Exchange closed at 173,000 yuan/ton. Although this is somewhat below recent peaks, the year-to-date increase remains substantial. Several analysts say the current price rally is driven by multiple supply-side disruptions coinciding with stronger-than-expected demand; industry supply and demand are expected to be in a tight balance this year, which should help keep the lithium price mid-point elevated and prone to oscillation.