Core Viewpoint - Lithium stocks have shown strong performance, with Ganfeng Lithium rising by 8.35% and Tianqi Lithium by 6.49%, driven by a significant increase in lithium carbonate futures prices and positive demand forecasts for the coming years [1] Industry Summary - On November 17, the main contract for lithium carbonate futures surged over 5%, currently priced at 91,740 yuan/ton [1] - Ganfeng Lithium's chairman predicts a 30% increase in lithium carbonate demand by 2026, reaching 1.9 million tons, while supply capacity is expected to grow by around 250,000 tons, indicating a balanced supply-demand scenario [1] - If demand growth exceeds 30% next year, potentially reaching 40%, supply may not keep pace, leading to prices possibly exceeding 150,000 yuan/ton or even 200,000 yuan/ton [1] Market Dynamics - Current market challenges are primarily on the demand side, with record high sales in electric vehicles and energy storage batteries driving bullish sentiment in lithium materials and raw materials [1] - Domestic lithium carbonate production is nearing its upper limit, with capacity utilization across the industry at peak levels, resulting in a continuous supply shortage and the lowest recorded inventory days [1] - Market expectations for accelerated inventory depletion have been fully priced in, and as the peak season progresses, the momentum for downstream raw material stocking may be nearing its end, suggesting limited upward price potential without sustained demand drivers [1]