CATL(SZ:300750) Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-09-12 02:27Core Viewpoint - The early resumption of production at the Jiangxi Jianxiawo lithium mine by CATL has interrupted the rebound of lithium carbonate prices, suggesting that low price levels may persist longer than expected, indicating deeper industry dynamics at play [2]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - On September 11, lithium carbonate futures opened high but closed up only 1.25%, maintaining the 70,000 yuan mark, yet this is over 20% lower than the mid-August peak of 90,000 yuan per ton, marking a failed rebound [3][6]. - The market volatility was triggered by CATL's faster-than-expected resumption of production at the Jianxiawo lithium mine, which is projected to reach an annual capacity of 80,000 tons of lithium carbonate by 2025, accounting for over half of Jiangxi's total output [5][6]. - Following the resumption news, lithium carbonate futures dropped to 69,800 yuan per ton, hitting the daily limit down, and closed at 70,300 yuan, with the entire lithium mining sector experiencing a downturn [6]. Group 2: Supply Chain Implications - The unexpected increase in supply from the Jianxiawo mine has disrupted previous market expectations of a three to six-month production halt, signaling that leading companies like CATL have resource control capabilities [7]. - The Jianxiawo mine's production contributes approximately 6,000 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent monthly, enhancing market supply significantly [7]. - As of August 23, social inventory of lithium carbonate reached 141,500 tons, with downstream battery manufacturers increasing their inventory by 10,800 tons to 51,500 tons, indicating pressure on the market [9]. Group 3: Policy and Industry Changes - The new Mineral Resources Law, effective from July, has raised short-term concerns about supply contraction but is expected to accelerate the elimination of small mining capacities in the long run, potentially reducing domestic lithium mica production by about 12,000 tons, or 2.3% of global supply [11]. - Leading companies are leveraging economies of scale and technological advancements to lower lithium extraction costs, with some projects nearing the low-cost levels of overseas salt lakes [11]. Group 4: Demand Trends - In August 2025, China's new energy vehicle sales reached 1.395 million units, a year-on-year increase of 26.8%, but the growth rate is beginning to slow down [12]. - The energy storage market is expanding but is unlikely to balance supply and demand in the short term, as energy storage batteries consume only 70% of the lithium carbonate used in power batteries [12]. - The competitive landscape is shifting, with CATL focusing on securing raw material advantages while also advancing research into lithium metal batteries, while BYD is targeting sodium batteries, which could replace approximately 15,000 tons of lithium carbonate [14]. Group 5: Competitive Landscape - The ongoing price decline of lithium carbonate presents both opportunities and challenges for midstream and downstream companies, as a decrease of 100,000 yuan per ton could lower vehicle costs by about 20,000 yuan, aiding electric vehicles in approaching the price point of fuel vehicles [14]. - Historical trends indicate that price drops often lead to price wars among leading companies, with CATL needing to maintain battery profit margins while BYD's vertical integration allows for further price reductions [14][16]. - The concentration of resources, technological substitution paths, and a slowdown in market demand are collectively reshaping the competitive dynamics within the new energy industry, suggesting that the volatility in lithium carbonate prices is far from over [16].