碳酸锂基本面依然偏空，价格仍存下跌可能

Core Viewpoint - The lithium carbonate market is experiencing a temporary price increase, but the fundamental oversupply situation remains unchanged, indicating potential for future price declines [1][7]. Supply and Production - Lithium carbonate production capacity in China reached a new high, with total production capacity at 134,438 tons in May, a year-on-year increase of 45.68% [2]. - Battery-grade lithium carbonate production was 6,230 tons in May, up 29% year-on-year, while industrial-grade production was 20,507 tons, down 9% [2]. - Despite the increase in production capacity, the overall supply growth rate for both battery-grade and industrial-grade lithium carbonate has shown significant slowdown [2]. Cost Dynamics - The prices of raw materials such as spodumene and lithium mica are declining, with spodumene priced at $629 per ton and lithium mica at 720 yuan per ton as of June 27 [3]. - The average production cost for companies using spodumene is approximately 69,600 yuan per ton, while those using lithium mica have a cost of about 56,300 yuan per ton [3]. - Current production costs for lithium carbonate are expected to decrease, but the support for prices from these costs is weakening [3]. Demand Trends - The growth rate of the new energy vehicle (NEV) market is expected to slow down, with NEV sales reaching 1.27 million units in May, a year-on-year increase of 35% [5]. - The market share of NEVs has increased significantly, but the growth rate is stabilizing around 40%, indicating potential for further declines in growth [5]. - The photovoltaic industry has also seen a slowdown in growth due to policy changes, which may impact the overall consumption of lithium carbonate [6]. Inventory Levels - As of May 30, lithium carbonate inventory stood at 97,637 tons, with smelter inventory at 55,391 tons and downstream inventory at 42,246 tons, reflecting a high level of inventory for the year [7]. - The current inventory levels suggest a continuation of the bearish fundamental outlook for lithium carbonate [7].