苦熬三年 磷酸铁锂涨价已势不可挡？行业协会发起“反内卷”倡议 巨头集体涨加工费

Core Viewpoint - The price increase of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathodes is driven by strong demand in the energy storage sector and the need for manufacturers to alleviate financial pressures, with major producers planning to raise processing fees by 3,000 yuan per ton starting in 2026 [1][2][10]. Group 1: Price Increase and Market Dynamics - Major LFP manufacturers are set to increase processing fees due to a combination of high demand and the need to address financial losses, with LFP cathodes accounting for over 40% of battery costs [1][10]. - Since November, LFP prices have been rising, primarily due to increased material costs, but the current price hike is more about manufacturers' financial recovery [1][2]. - The overall capacity utilization in the LFP industry is high, with leading manufacturers operating at 110% capacity, indicating a strong demand environment [3][4]. Group 2: Industry Challenges and Financial Health - The LFP industry has faced three years of poor performance, with many top manufacturers experiencing high debt levels and losses, making the current price increase necessary for sustainability [2][6]. - For instance, De Fang Nano reported significant losses in 2023 and 2024, highlighting the financial struggles within the industry [2]. - The industry association has called for a halt to irrational low-price competition, emphasizing the need for sustainable and high-quality development [5][10]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape and Future Outlook - The LFP market is increasingly competitive, with foreign manufacturers like LG Energy, Samsung SDI, and SK On ramping up investments in LFP technology, posing a potential threat to Chinese dominance [5][6]. - The association's cost research indicates that the average cost of LFP materials ranges from 15,714.8 yuan to 16,439.3 yuan per ton, which will serve as a reference for pricing strategies [4][5]. - The limited expansion of LFP production capacity, coupled with rising raw material costs, suggests that the upward price trend may continue, impacting downstream sectors like electric vehicles and energy storage systems [7][9][10].