CNNC TD(SZ:002145) Di Yi Cai Jing·2025-06-05 12:41Core Viewpoint - Lithium prices have dropped below 60,000 yuan/ton, leading to a trend of capacity reduction in the industry, particularly among cross-industry companies that have entered the lithium battery sector [1][2] Industry Trends - The trend of capacity reduction is becoming more pronounced, especially among companies that have crossed into the lithium battery industry, as they face operational difficulties due to falling lithium prices and increased cost pressures [1][2] - The lithium industry is experiencing a shift, with traditional lithium iron phosphate (LFP) competition becoming more intense, leading to the potential exit of underperforming capacities [3] Company Actions - Zhongke Titanium White has announced the termination of its 500,000-ton/year lithium iron phosphate project, which had previously seen an investment of 1.309 billion yuan, with only 100,000 tons/year of capacity completed [2] - Other companies, such as Jinpu Titanium Industry and Huiyun Titanium Industry, have also paused or terminated their lithium iron phosphate project investments, reflecting a broader trend among titanium dioxide and phosphate chemical companies [2] - Despite the downturn, some companies like Ganfeng Lithium and Yahua Group have increased their lithium carbonate production by approximately 24% and 10%, respectively, indicating a divergence in operational strategies within the industry [5] Market Dynamics - The lithium market is currently facing an oversupply, with an estimated surplus of 32,200 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) expected for the year, which has been revised upward [5] - The production of lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, and lithium chloride in China is projected to increase significantly, with year-on-year growth rates of 35.35%, 29.54%, and 37.14%, respectively [4] - The overall capacity utilization rates for companies like Cangge Mining and Salt Lake Co. have reached 116% and 100%, respectively, indicating that some low-cost lithium producers are operating at full capacity despite the market downturn [5][6] Future Outlook - The lithium carbonate price has plummeted from a peak of 500,000 yuan/ton in early 2023 to below 60,000 yuan/ton, raising concerns about the sustainability of current production levels [6] - The demand for lithium carbonate is uncertain due to fluctuating market conditions and potential changes in U.S. tariff policies, which may impact the supply-demand balance in the medium to long term [6]