2 1 Shi Ji Jing Ji Bao Dao·2025-11-17 11:42Core Insights - Lithium carbonate futures experienced significant movement, with multiple contracts hitting the daily limit, leading to a new annual high of 95,200 yuan/ton for the main 2601 contract, a 9% increase [2][6]. Market Performance - Lithium mining stocks surged in the A-share market, with companies like Dazhong Mining and Shengxin Lithium Energy reaching their daily limits, while Tianqi Lithium returned to a market capitalization of over 100 billion yuan [3]. - The price of battery-grade lithium carbonate reached an average of 86,200 yuan/ton on November 17, marking an increase of 980 yuan/ton from the previous trading day [11]. Supply and Demand Dynamics - Ganfeng Lithium's chairman indicated that if demand growth exceeds 30% to 40% next year, prices could potentially surpass 150,000 yuan/ton or even 200,000 yuan/ton due to supply constraints [5][6]. - The lithium salt inventory has been declining for 13 consecutive weeks, with a current level of 120,500 tons, indicating a tightening supply situation [7][10]. Price Trends - The price of lithium hexafluorophosphate surged from 61,000 yuan/ton in early October to nearly 160,000 yuan/ton by November 17, contributing to positive market sentiment [8]. - The main 2601 contract has shown strong performance, remaining stable around 86,000 yuan/ton, close to breaking the previous high of 89,000 yuan/ton from August [10]. Future Outlook - For 2025, global lithium carbonate demand is projected to reach 1.45 million tons, with an expected increase to 1.55 million tons due to second-half demand growth, while supply capacity is anticipated to exceed 1.7 million tons, resulting in a surplus of approximately 200,000 tons [6]. - The profitability of domestic lithium salt producers is expected to improve in the fourth quarter, particularly for integrated companies like Tianqi Lithium and Yongxing Materials, which have stable costs [14][15]. Market Sentiment and Trading Activity - On November 17, the trading volume for lithium carbonate futures doubled to 1.85 million contracts, with total open interest reaching a historical high of 1.118 million contracts [10]. - The recent price surge has led to a widening gap between futures and spot prices, necessitating a correction through either a futures price drop or a spot price increase [18][19].