Group 1 - Ganfeng Lithium is a global leader in the lithium industry, with a comprehensive resource layout covering spodumene, salt lakes, and clay, and its lithium carbonate production capacity is among the top in the industry [1] - Tianqi Lithium controls the world's largest spodumene mine, Greenbushes, with a self-sufficiency rate of 100%, and its full industry chain layout enhances profitability amid rising lithium carbonate prices [2] - Salt Lake Industry holds the largest lithium resource in China at the Qarhan Salt Lake, with a low extraction cost of 30,000 to 40,000 yuan per ton, and plans to reach a production capacity of 40,000 tons of lithium carbonate by 2025 [3] Group 2 - Zangge Mining has a significant advantage in the Tibetan salt lake resource layout, with a planned capacity of 50,000 tons per year and a self-sufficiency rate exceeding 80% [4] - Shengxin Lithium Energy owns Asia's largest hard rock lithium mine and has a long-term supply agreement with CATL, ensuring stable sales amid rising lithium prices [5] - Rongjie Co. focuses on lithium resource development and processing, optimizing its mining technology to enhance resource utilization and reduce costs [6] Group 3 - Tibet Mining has exclusive mining rights to the Zabuye Salt Lake, one of Asia's largest lithium salt lakes, which provides a cost advantage as lithium carbonate prices rise [7][8] - Yahua Group ranks second in lithium extraction from lepidolite in A-shares, with an annual capacity of 45,000 tons, and has established long-term partnerships with several battery manufacturers [9] - Zhongmin Resources has a strong presence in both spodumene and salt lake lithium extraction, actively expanding overseas projects to enhance market competitiveness [10] Group 4 - Jiangte Motor, located in Yichun, known as "Asia's Lithium Capital," has a lepidolite extraction capacity of 30,000 tons per year and holds proprietary low-cost extraction technology [11] - Xizang City Investment has lithium carbonate reserves of 3.9 million tons from two salt lakes, utilizing a low-cost extraction method that positions it well for profit during price increases [12] - Yongxing Materials focuses on lithium salt production and has a diversified supply chain that allows it to respond quickly to market changes [13] Group 5 - Huayou Cobalt is a global leader in cobalt products and has developed an integrated supply chain for nickel, cobalt, and lithium resources, ensuring stable supply for battery materials [14] - Hanrui Cobalt has a synergistic business model for cobalt and lithium, ensuring raw material self-sufficiency and benefiting from the growth of the lithium battery industry [15] - Tengen Cobalt focuses on the research, production, and sales of cobalt and lithium products, maintaining stable sales through partnerships with leading battery manufacturers [16] Group 6 - Luoyang Molybdenum is the second-largest cobalt producer globally and is actively expanding its lithium resource layout, benefiting from the growth in lithium battery demand [17] - Greeenmei is a leader in battery recycling, achieving over 95% recovery rates and integrating lithium resource recovery into its business model [18] - Northern Rare Earth is the largest supplier of light rare earths and is diversifying into lithium and other energy metals, leveraging its resource advantages [19] Group 7 - Jinli Permanent Magnet has advanced technology that reduces the use of heavy rare earths and is expanding into lithium-related energy metal businesses [20] - Wanhua Chemical is actively involved in the lithium battery materials sector, providing chemical support for lithium carbonate production and benefiting from the growing demand in the lithium battery industry [21] - China Aluminum is leveraging its mining experience to develop lithium resources, ensuring quality and reducing operational costs amid rising lithium prices [22] Group 8 - Jiangxi Copper is expanding into lithium and cobalt, utilizing its mining expertise to enhance its energy metal business [23] - Huayu Mining is focusing on lithium resource development in Tibet, leveraging its regional advantages to enhance its lithium salt processing projects [24] - Shengda Resources is actively acquiring lithium resources and enhancing its energy metal business through strategic partnerships [25] Group 9 - Boqian New Materials, while primarily focused on nano-level metal powder materials, is involved in the lithium battery sector and is expected to see significant profit growth by 2026 [26] - Yongshan Lithium focuses on lithium salt product development and has optimized its production processes to enhance product quality and efficiency [27] - Dazhong Mining is transitioning into the lithium sector, utilizing its mining expertise to explore and develop lithium resources [28] Group 10 - Jinyuan Co. is transforming into the lithium battery sector, focusing on lithium resource development and processing through strategic acquisitions [29] - Weiling Co. is extending its business into the lithium battery supply chain, providing equipment and technical support for lithium mining and processing [30] - Tianhua Super Clean is deeply engaged in lithium battery materials, with a strong production capacity and established relationships with leading battery manufacturers [31]

Core Viewpoint - The A-share market showed mixed performance on January 13, with the Battery 50 ETF (159796) experiencing a slight increase of 0.3% amid fluctuations in trading [1] Group 1: Market Performance - The Battery 50 ETF (159796) recorded a trading volume of 4.94 billion CNY, with a price range between 0.990 and 1.012 CNY [1] - The ETF's net asset value was reported at 1.0038 CNY, with a premium rate of 0.42% [1] - The ETF's five-day net inflow was noted at 2.65% [1] Group 2: Component Stocks - Major component stocks of the Battery 50 ETF included Sanhua Intelligent Controls, which rose by 1.05%, and multiple fluorine, which increased by 1.26% [2] - Notable declines were observed in XINWANDA, which fell by 2.40%, and other key players like Yangguang Electric and Ningde Times also experienced slight declines [2] Group 3: Policy Impact - The recent adjustment in export tax rebates for battery products is expected to lead to a surge in exports in 2026, tightening supply and demand in the lithium battery industry [4] - The tax rebate for battery products will decrease from 9% to 6% starting April 1, 2026, and will be eliminated entirely by January 1, 2027 [5] Group 4: Industry Outlook - The battery sector is anticipated to benefit from increased demand driven by both domestic and international markets, with projections indicating a significant rise in global demand for power batteries from 1,253.4 GWh in 2025 to 1,834.2 GWh by 2027 [5] - The storage demand is also expected to grow substantially, with domestic installations projected to reach 265 GWh in 2026, reflecting a 60% increase [5] Group 5: Investment Strategy - The Battery 50 ETF (159796) is highlighted as a leading option for investors due to its significant exposure to the storage sector, which accounts for 18.7% of its index, and a high proportion of solid-state battery technology at 45% [6][8] - The ETF's management fee is noted to be the lowest in its category at 0.15% per year, making it an attractive investment vehicle for capturing opportunities in the battery sector [11]

Core Insights - The article discusses the critical role of ternary precursors in the lithium battery industry, particularly in the context of the rapid expansion driven by the electric vehicle and energy storage markets. It highlights the expected growth in lithium battery shipments in China, reaching 1,175 GWh in 2024 and projected to rise to 1,700 GWh in 2025. However, the production of ternary precursors is expected to decline due to competition from lithium iron phosphate batteries and reduced overseas demand [1][5][6]. Industry Overview - Ternary precursors are composite metal hydroxides used to synthesize ternary cathode materials, connecting upstream metal raw materials with downstream battery manufacturing [2][3]. - The lithium-ion battery ternary precursor market is categorized into NCM (nickel-cobalt-manganese) and NCA (nickel-cobalt-aluminum) types, with further subdivisions based on nickel content and microstructure [3]. Production Trends - The global production of ternary precursors is forecasted to decline by 1.7% in 2024, with China's production expected to grow by only 0.7% to 850,000 tons. In the first half of 2025, production is anticipated to drop by 7.3% in China and 6.8% globally [6][7]. - The product structure is shifting towards high-nickel precursors, with the 6-series products expected to dominate the market, increasing their share to 46.93% by 2025, while the 5-series products are significantly reduced due to competition from lithium iron phosphate [7][8]. Competitive Landscape - The Chinese ternary precursor industry is characterized by an oligopolistic structure, with leading companies like Zhongwei Co., Greenmech, and Huayou Cobalt dominating the market. The top five companies are projected to hold a 75% market share by 2024 [8]. - Companies are leveraging integrated supply chains and technological advantages to maintain market dominance, particularly in high-end markets, while smaller players are being squeezed out [8][9]. Future Development Trends - The industry is expected to focus on technological upgrades, including high-nickel and single-crystal structures, as well as digital manufacturing processes to enhance product quality [9][10]. - There will be a continued emphasis on integrated supply chains, with companies extending upstream to secure key resources and downstream to strengthen customer relationships [10][11]. - International expansion is becoming increasingly important, with companies establishing local production bases in key markets like Europe and Southeast Asia to adapt to regional trade policies and environmental regulations [11].

Core Viewpoint - The A-share market experienced a significant surge on January 12, with over 4,100 stocks closing in the green and a record trading volume of 3.64 trillion yuan, surpassing the previous high on October 8, 2024. The adjustment of export tax rebate policies for batteries has influenced market dynamics, leading to a notable increase in trading activity for the Battery 50 ETF (159796), which closed down 0.69% despite a trading volume nearing 600 million yuan [1][3]. Group 1: Market Performance - The Battery 50 ETF (159796) saw most of its constituent stocks decline, with notable drops including Sunshine Power and Xian Dao Intelligent, both down over 3%, while Ningde Times and Guoxuan High-Tech fell over 2% [3]. - The trading volume of the Battery 50 ETF (159796) surged to nearly 600 million yuan, indicating heightened investor interest despite the ETF's decline [1][3]. Group 2: Policy Impact - On January 9, two departments announced adjustments to export tax rebate policies, effective from April 1, 2026, which will reduce the VAT export rebate rate for battery products from 9% to 6%, and eliminate it entirely by January 1, 2027 [4][5]. - The previous reduction in export tax rebates for certain photovoltaic and battery products from 13% to 9% in November 2024 had already triggered a rush in exports, and the latest adjustments may lead to a similar surge, benefiting the lithium carbonate sector [5]. Group 3: Industry Outlook - Global demand for energy storage is expected to grow steadily, with projections indicating that global energy storage installations will reach 404 GWh by 2026, representing a 38% year-on-year increase [5]. - The battery sector is experiencing a sustained upward trend, driven by the growth of the global electric vehicle market, with domestic battery installations expected to maintain high growth rates through 2026 [5][6]. - Solid-state battery technology is advancing, with potential for significant industry upgrades, as companies that can provide stable supply and mature processes are likely to benefit [6]. Group 4: Investment Strategy - The Battery 50 ETF (159796) is positioned to benefit from its high content in energy storage (18.7%) and solid-state batteries (45%), making it a strong candidate for investors looking to capitalize on these growing segments [7][9]. - The ETF's focus on battery chemicals, which account for 31% of its weight, positions it well to benefit from the recovery of upstream material prices, enhancing the overall industry outlook [9][12].

Core Viewpoint - The lithium battery recycling industry is transitioning from a rough development phase to a more refined, standardized, and globalized stage, driven by rising prices of lithium and cobalt, supportive policies, and increasing demand for energy metals [1][2][6]. Industry Overview - Lithium battery recycling is likened to the development of "urban mines," converting waste batteries into valuable, recyclable resources [1]. - The industry is witnessing a transformation, with a market size exceeding 100 billion yuan, reshaping the resource supply landscape in the new energy sector [1][7]. Profitability and Market Dynamics - The profitability of lithium battery recycling businesses has improved significantly, with a reported 59% year-on-year increase in battery dismantling volume, reaching 36,000 tons in the first three quarters of 2025 [2]. - The rise in prices of lithium, cobalt, and nickel has enhanced cash flow for recycling companies, shifting the profit model from reliance on subsidies to the intrinsic value of recycled materials [2][3]. Policy and Regulatory Environment - The Chinese government has relaxed import policies for recycled materials, allowing certain types of black powder to be imported, which addresses previous challenges in the industry [3]. - This regulatory change is expected to secure domestic strategic resource supply and integrate China's battery recycling industry into global resource allocation [2][3]. Capacity Expansion and Capital Operations - Leading companies are adopting a dual strategy of capacity expansion and capital operations to capture market opportunities, with significant investments in new facilities and technology partnerships [4][5]. - Companies like Grinmei and Tianqi are actively pursuing acquisitions and financing to enhance their operational capabilities and market presence [4][5]. Technological Advancements and Lifecycle Integration - The industry is evolving from merely end-of-life disposal to playing a crucial role in the entire battery lifecycle, with companies developing comprehensive value chains from recycling to remanufacturing [6]. - Grinmei has achieved a lithium recovery rate exceeding 96.5% through innovative technologies, establishing partnerships with over 1,000 automotive and battery manufacturers [6]. Future Outlook - The lithium battery recycling market is projected to grow at an annual rate exceeding 50% over the next 3 to 5 years, with the domestic market expected to surpass 100 billion yuan by 2030 [7]. - The industry is moving towards a more regulated and competitive environment, with non-compliant players gradually exiting the market, signaling a positive trend for sustainable practices [7].

Core Viewpoint - The lithium battery recycling industry is transitioning from extensive development to a new phase characterized by refinement, standardization, and globalization, driven by rising prices of lithium and cobalt, along with supportive policies [1][9]. Industry Overview - Lithium battery recycling is likened to the development of "urban mines," converting waste batteries into valuable, recyclable resources [1]. - The industry is witnessing a transformation that is reshaping the resource supply landscape of the new energy sector, with a green circular market exceeding 100 billion yuan already formed [1][9]. Profitability and Market Dynamics - Since 2025, the prices of key metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel have remained high, positively impacting the cash flow and profitability of recycling companies [3]. - For instance, a company reported a 59% year-on-year increase in battery recycling volume, reaching 36,000 tons in the first three quarters of 2025, leading to improved profit margins due to increased retired battery volumes and rising metal prices [3][9]. Policy and Regulatory Changes - In June 2025, a joint announcement by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the State Administration for Market Regulation stated that recycled black powder meeting national standards is not classified as solid waste, facilitating imports [3][4]. - This policy change addresses previous challenges in importing materials and allows the domestic battery recycling industry to participate in global resource allocation [3][4]. Capital and Capacity Expansion - Leading companies are adopting a dual strategy of "capacity + capital" to seize market opportunities, including new base construction, technological cooperation, and capital financing [4][5]. - For example, a company announced a 400 million yuan acquisition to enhance its circular economy strategy, while another company has established a processing capacity of 100,000 tons for waste lithium batteries [5][7]. Technological Advancements and Industry Collaboration - The industry is evolving from merely end-of-life disposal to becoming a crucial player in the entire battery lifecycle, with companies developing comprehensive value chains from battery recycling to remanufacturing [8]. - One company has achieved a lithium recovery rate exceeding 96.5% and has established partnerships with over 1,000 automotive and battery manufacturers, creating a closed-loop supply chain [8]. Market Outlook - The lithium battery recycling market is expected to grow significantly, with an annual growth rate exceeding 50% projected over the next 3 to 5 years, potentially reaching a market size of over 100 billion yuan by 2030 [9].

Core Viewpoint - The lithium battery recycling industry is undergoing a value reassessment driven by high energy metal prices, increased demand for energy storage, and supportive policies, leading to the formation of a green circular market exceeding 100 billion yuan by 2025 [1][6]. Industry Overview - The prices of key metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel are expected to remain high due to global mineral development cycles and a second surge in downstream energy storage demand [1]. - The industry is transitioning from extensive development to a more refined, standardized, and globalized phase, with a market size projected to exceed 100 billion yuan [1]. Company Performance - Companies like Greeenme and Tianqi have reported significant improvements in profitability due to increased retirement volumes and rising metal prices, with Greeenme's battery recycling volume reaching 36,000 tons, a 59% year-on-year increase [2]. - Tianqi's lithium battery recycling segment has turned profitable, aided by the lifting of black powder import restrictions and rising metal prices [2]. Strategic Initiatives - Leading companies are adopting a "capacity + capital" dual-drive strategy to capture market opportunities, with Greeenme planning to invest 400 million yuan to acquire shares in Henan Recycling Group and pursue a Hong Kong listing [4]. - Tianqi has established a processing capacity of 100,000 tons of used lithium batteries, with another 100,000 tons under construction, indicating a strong commitment to expanding its recycling capabilities [4]. Technological Advancements - Greeenme has achieved a lithium recovery rate exceeding 96.5% through its nine global recycling bases and has established partnerships with over 1,000 automotive and battery manufacturers [5]. - The industry is focusing on technological iteration and collaboration across the supply chain, with non-compliant small operations exiting the market, leading to a concentration of market share among companies with technological and environmental advantages [5]. Market Outlook - The lithium battery recycling industry is expected to experience accelerated growth over the next 3 to 5 years, with an annual growth rate projected to exceed 50%, potentially surpassing 100 billion yuan by 2030 [5][6]. - The industry's growth is not only driven by short-term fluctuations in energy metal prices but also by the necessity of closing the loop in the new energy industry chain, ensuring resource security and alleviating mining pressures [6].

Core Insights - The core viewpoint of the article is the significant growth forecast for the global sodium-ion battery industry, particularly in the production and shipment of cathode materials by 2025, as detailed in the "2026 Global Sodium Battery Industry White Paper" published by Qidian Research Institute SPIR [2]. Group 1: Industry Overview - By 2025, the global shipment of sodium-ion battery cathode materials is expected to reach approximately 20,000 tons, representing a year-on-year growth of 122.2% [2]. - Among the cathode materials, the shipment of polyanionic cathode materials is projected to exceed that of layered oxides, with an estimated shipment of 14,000 tons, marking a staggering year-on-year increase of 366.6%. In contrast, the shipment of layered oxide cathode materials is expected to be 5,000 tons, reflecting a year-on-year decline of 16.6% [2]. Group 2: Price Trends - The average price of layered oxide cathode materials in 2025 is forecasted to be 38,000 yuan per ton, which is a decrease of 26.3% compared to the previous year [3]. - The average price for polyanionic cathode materials is expected to be 28,000 yuan per ton, showing a decline of 22.2% year-on-year [3]. Group 3: Leading Companies - The top 10 companies in the global sodium-ion battery cathode materials shipment for 2025 include: 1. Qiana Energy 2. Rongbai Technology 3. Sodium Innovation Energy 4. Yingna New Energy 5. Wanrun New Energy 6. Sodium Science Energy 7. Dangseng Technology 8. Jiangsu Xiangying 9. Sodium Far New Materials 10. Jinguang Energy [7]. - The next tier, companies ranked 11-20, includes: 11. Ruiyang New Energy 12. Green Beauty 13. Zhenhua New Materials 14. Yangguang Technology 15. Tongxing Haosheng 16. Taihe Technology 17. Better Energy 18. Shengna Energy 19. Chaona New Energy 20. Xinna New Materials [7]. Group 4: Market Segmentation - The top 10 companies in the shipment of polyanionic cathode materials include: 1. Qiana Energy 2. Rongbai Technology 3. Yingna New Energy 4. Wanrun New Energy 5. Jinguang Energy 6. Sodium Science Energy 7. Sodium Far New Materials 8. Ruiyang New Energy 9. Tongxing Haosheng 10. Taihe Technology [9]. - The top 10 companies in the shipment of layered oxide cathode materials include: 1. Sodium Innovation Energy 2. Rongbai Technology 3. Dangseng Technology 4. Jiangsu Xiangying 5. Zhenhua New Materials 6. Sodium Science Energy 7. Green Beauty 8. Better Energy 9. Yangguang Technology 10. Changyuan Lithium Technology [9].

Core Viewpoint - The lithium battery recycling industry is transitioning from extensive development to a new phase characterized by refinement, standardization, and globalization, driven by rising prices of lithium and cobalt, along with supportive policies [1][8]. Industry Overview - The lithium battery recycling sector is being recognized as a "urban mine," converting waste batteries into valuable, recyclable resources [1]. - A green circular market exceeding 100 billion yuan has emerged, reshaping the resource supply landscape in the new energy industry [1]. Profitability and Market Dynamics - The profitability of lithium battery recycling businesses has improved significantly due to increased retirement volumes and rising prices of lithium and cobalt [2]. - The price surge of energy metals has shifted the profit model from relying on subsidies to focusing on the intrinsic value of recycled materials, expanding profit margins for companies [2][3]. Policy Developments - New regulations have eased the import of recycled materials, allowing certain types of black powder to be imported without being classified as solid waste, thus facilitating the global resource allocation for China's battery recycling industry [2][3]. Capacity Expansion and Capital Operations - Leading companies are adopting a dual strategy of capacity expansion and capital operations to seize market opportunities, including new base construction and technology partnerships [4][6]. - Companies like Greeenme and Tianqi are actively pursuing acquisitions and financing to enhance their operational capabilities and market presence [4][5][6]. Technological Advancements and Industry Collaboration - The industry is evolving from merely end-of-life disposal to playing a crucial role in the entire battery lifecycle, with companies establishing comprehensive value chains [7]. - Greenme has achieved a lithium recovery rate exceeding 96.5% and has formed partnerships with over 1,000 automotive and battery manufacturers to create a closed-loop supply chain [7]. Market Outlook - The lithium battery recycling market is expected to grow at an annual rate exceeding 50% over the next 3 to 5 years, with the domestic market projected to surpass 100 billion yuan by 2030 [8].

Core Insights - The lithium battery recycling industry is evolving from a rough development phase to a more refined, standardized, and globalized stage, driven by rising prices of lithium and cobalt, along with supportive policies [1][7] - Major companies like Tianqi Co., Ltd. and Greeenme are expanding their capacities and capital operations to build competitive barriers through technological upgrades and industry chain extensions [1][2] Industry Trends - The prices of key metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel are expected to remain high due to global mining cycles and increased downstream energy storage demand, positively impacting cash flow and profitability for recycling companies [2][3] - The recycling business of Greeenme saw a significant increase in dismantling volume, reaching 36,000 tons in the first three quarters of 2025, a year-on-year surge of 59% [2] Policy Developments - In June 2025, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the State Administration for Market Regulation announced that recycled black powder for lithium-ion batteries meeting national standards would not be classified as solid waste, facilitating imports [2][3] - The gradual relaxation of import policies for recycled resources reflects the government's emphasis on recycling and lithium battery recovery [3] Company Strategies - Greeenme is actively pursuing a dual strategy of capacity expansion and capital operation, including a planned acquisition of Henan Recycling Group to enhance its circular economy strategy [4][5] - Tianqi Co., Ltd. has established a processing capacity of 100,000 tons for waste lithium batteries, with plans for further expansion [5][6] Technological Advancements - Greeenme has developed a complete lifecycle value chain for battery recycling, achieving a lithium recovery rate exceeding 96.5% through innovative technologies [6] - The company collaborates with over 1,000 automotive and battery manufacturers to create a closed-loop supply chain, reducing risks associated with supply chain and metal price fluctuations [6] Market Outlook - The lithium battery recycling industry is expected to grow at an annual rate exceeding 50% over the next 3 to 5 years, with the market size projected to surpass 100 billion yuan by 2030 [7] - The industry is undergoing a transformation driven by price, demand, and policy changes, moving towards a more refined and standardized development phase [7]