Hua Xia Shi Bao·2025-06-20 00:07Core Viewpoint - The lithium battery copper foil industry is experiencing a rebirth driven by cost reduction and technological innovation after a challenging period of losses over the past two years [3][4]. Industry Overview - From 2014 to 2023, lithium battery copper foil sales surged from less than 50,000 tons to nearly 500,000 tons, with total industry capacity increasing by over 120% from 2022 to 2023 due to a production expansion initiated in 2020 [3][5]. - In 2023, China's lithium battery copper foil production capacity reached 950,000 tons, with a total electrolytic copper foil capacity of 1,563,000 tons per year [5]. Financial Performance - Major listed companies in the copper foil sector faced significant losses in 2024, with losses ranging from 84 million yuan to 352 million yuan [4][6]. - The overall product gross margin for the lithium battery copper foil sector plummeted from 20% in previous years to 4.84% in 2023, and further down to 0.14% in 2024 [6]. Recovery Signs - In Q1 2025, six out of the top ten listed companies in the copper foil sector reported positive net profit growth, indicating a potential turning point for the industry [7]. - Factors contributing to the recovery include cost reduction through optimized processes and an increase in the proportion of high-value-added products [4][7]. Market Dynamics - The market is transitioning towards thinner copper foils, with 6-micron copper foil currently being the mainstream product, while demand for even thinner products like 4.5-micron and 3-micron foils is increasing [4][11]. - The processing fee for lithium battery copper foil peaked in April 2022 but has since declined significantly, with expectations of stabilization in the near future [5][10]. Future Outlook - The industry anticipates a gradual improvement in supply-demand dynamics as low-end capacity is phased out and market consolidation occurs [6][10]. - The market for ultra-thin copper foils (less than 6 microns) is expected to grow, with projections indicating that their market share could rise from 15% to 30-40% by the end of 2025 [11][12].