Hua Er Jie Jian Wen·2025-11-12 03:40Core Insights - JPMorgan has reversed its bearish stance on the lithium industry, acknowledging a significant underestimation of the explosive demand in the energy storage (ESS) market [1][3] - The bank upgraded its ratings for Tianqi Lithium and Ganfeng Lithium from "Underweight" to "Neutral," indicating a major correction in its outlook on the lithium market fundamentals [1][3] - JPMorgan expects a supply shortage in the global lithium market in 2025 and 2026, prompting a substantial increase in its lithium price forecast for 2026 from RMB 70,000 per ton to RMB 90,000 per ton, a nearly 30% increase [1][6] Energy Storage Demand - The surge in energy storage demand is identified as a key driver of stock prices, outweighing the negative impacts of supply factors such as the resumption of operations at CATL's mines [3][4] - Energy storage batteries accounted for over 25% of global battery production since June, with 40% of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery production attributed to this segment [4] - JPMorgan forecasts a 30% year-on-year increase in global energy storage battery shipments by 2026, reaching approximately 770 GWh, driven by policy incentives and ongoing deployment of grid-level projects [4] Supply Dynamics - The resumption of production at CATL's Jiangxi mine, with an annual capacity of approximately 45,000 to 50,000 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), is expected to provide some relief to the current market tightness, but it will not be sufficient to fill the significant supply gap [5][6] - Even with the inclusion of the Jiangxi mine's output, the market is anticipated to remain in a state of shortage in 2025 and 2026 [6] - JPMorgan's supply forecasts remain largely unchanged, with slight increases in projections for 2029/2030, while noting that expansions in Australia and Chile may not fully offset delays in Brazil due to financing constraints [6] Price Target Adjustments - JPMorgan has raised its price targets for Ganfeng Lithium and Tianqi Lithium significantly, with Ganfeng's A-shares target increased from RMB 30 to RMB 65, and H-shares from HKD 22 to HKD 48 [6] - Tianqi Lithium's A-shares target has been adjusted from RMB 30 to RMB 54, and H-shares from HKD 28 to HKD 50, reflecting the revised outlook on lithium prices and market conditions [6]