Core Viewpoint - The lithium carbonate market is experiencing a significant downturn, with prices dropping over 90% from a peak of 600,000 yuan/ton to approximately 60,000 yuan/ton since 2022, indicating a phase of challenges in the supply-demand structure adjustment within the industry [2][3] Supply and Demand Imbalance - The fundamental driver behind the sharp decline in lithium carbonate prices is the supply-demand imbalance, with supply growth averaging 31% and demand growth at 27% since 2022, leading to significant inventory accumulation [3] - The "involution" competition in the lithium industry stems from short-sighted corporate strategies, herd mentality in investments, and lack of innovation, exacerbated by the inability of leading companies to effectively guide industry self-discipline [3] Industry Challenges - Price wars and profit squeezes are evident, with upstream lithium mining companies facing losses due to falling prices, while downstream battery manufacturers maintain marginal profits through technological iterations and scale production [4] - The industry is characterized by homogenization and inefficient capacity, with some lithium extraction costs exceeding 85,000 yuan/ton, forcing companies to cut production [4] - High inventory levels are pressuring cash flow, with global lithium carbonate inventory expected to reach 360,000 tons by 2025, and domestic inventory at 130,000 tons, suppressing price rebounds [4] Structural Issues in Recycling Lithium - The recycling lithium industry faces core challenges related to structural contradictions in raw materials and capacity, with a persistent supply shortage of battery black powder and excess capacity in wet metallurgy [5] - Improvement in the situation requires a dual-driven approach: waiting for a large-scale retirement of lithium batteries to expand raw material supply and stabilizing lithium carbonate market prices to restore industry profit balance [5] Pricing Dynamics - The traditional "cost support" logic is failing, with the market shifting to "marginal cost pricing" and "cash flow consumption capacity" as key competitive factors [6] - The current price levels are a severe test for many producers, with significant impacts on non-mining and recycling enterprises leading to production cuts and market exits [6][7] Future Supply and Demand Outlook - The mining exploration and production cycle is lengthy, making it difficult for mines to reduce output despite low prices, as higher production dilutes unit operating costs [7] - A true capacity clearing in the market will require observing cash flow interruptions and mine closures, with expectations of reduced new projects after 2026 [8] Emerging Demand in New Fields - Despite current micro-profit or loss situations, the long-term outlook for the lithium industry remains optimistic due to the vast potential for green energy to replace fossil fuels [9] - The energy storage sector is anticipated to be a significant driver of future lithium demand, with a notable increase in production of energy storage cells [10] Cost Reduction and Efficiency Improvement - "Cost reduction and efficiency improvement" have become the main themes across the lithium industry, with companies focusing on integrated production and technological advancements to lower costs [12] - The adoption of futures hedging tools is increasingly important for managing price risks and stabilizing profits in the lithium carbonate industry [13][14] Strategies Against Involution - To combat the "involution" trend, recycling lithium companies are focusing on deep cost exploration through technological upgrades and innovative business models, including the use of financial tools to manage price risks [15]
破解碳酸锂企业生存困局：深挖降本空间 创新商业模式
Qi Huo Ri Bao Wang·2025-07-10 00:34