Shang Hai Zheng Quan Bao·2025-12-10 17:57Core Viewpoint - The lithium battery industry is experiencing significant price increases and supply chain adjustments due to rising raw material costs and strong demand, particularly in the energy storage and electric vehicle sectors [3][4][5]. Industry Trends - Dejia Energy announced a 15% price increase for its battery products starting December 16 due to rising production costs from upstream raw materials [3]. - Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. (CATL) and other leading companies are securing long-term agreements to lock in upstream capacity and supply chains, emphasizing the importance of capacity acquisition for future growth [3][4]. - The lithium battery supply chain is currently characterized by a "full production and sales" state, with companies like Penghui Energy and Tianji Co. reporting strong demand and rising prices for their products [4]. Market Demand - Global power battery installation reached 811.7 GWh in the first three quarters of this year, a 34.7% increase from the previous year, while the energy storage market saw a 90.7% year-on-year growth [5]. - The rapid growth in renewable energy installations and the expansion of AI data centers are driving increased demand for energy storage solutions [5]. Long-term Contracts - The industry is witnessing a surge in long-term contracts, with significant agreements such as a 10-year strategic partnership between Haibosi and CATL for a minimum of 200 GWh of procurement [6]. - Other notable contracts include a collaboration between Hicharge Energy and CRRC Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Research Institute for at least 120 GWh of energy storage products [6]. Price Dynamics - The price of battery-grade lithium carbonate has surged to 92,750 RMB per ton, a 23% increase from the previous month, while the price of lithium hexafluorophosphate has exceeded 180,000 RMB per ton [4]. - The tight supply and high demand have led to longer delivery times, with some companies reporting that delivery schedules extend into the first half of next year [4]. Technological Advancements - The industry is undergoing a "quality upgrade" driven by technological advancements, with companies like CATL launching fifth-generation lithium iron phosphate batteries that improve energy density and cycle life [9][10]. - High-density lithium iron phosphate products are becoming a focus, with expectations that their market share will increase significantly by 2026 [9]. Capacity Expansion - Companies are accelerating capacity expansion to meet growing demand, with Fulin Precision Engineering planning to invest 4 billion RMB to build a new production line for lithium iron phosphate [8]. - Dragon Power Technology is also raising funds to expand production capacity in response to customer needs [8]. Globalization Efforts - Leading companies are pursuing global expansion strategies, with firms like Hunan YN planning production capacity in Spain and Dragon Power Technology nearing full production at its Indonesian facility [10]. - The industry is shifting from scale competition to value competition, aiming for high-quality development as new products are launched and recycling systems are improved [10].