Core Viewpoint - Lithium prices are experiencing a strong rebound, with significant upward momentum, reaching a new high since May 2024, and showing an annual increase of over 40% [1]. Industry Summary - As of December 17, the main contract for lithium carbonate on the Shanghai Futures Exchange surged by 7.75%, reaching 108,800 yuan per ton [1]. - The A-share lithium mining sector index saw substantial gains, with notable increases in individual stocks such as Tianhua New Energy (up over 12%) and Shengxin Lithium Energy (up over 7%) [1]. - The recent announcement from the Yichun Natural Resources Bureau regarding the potential cancellation of 27 mining rights has drawn market attention, contributing to the price increase [4][7]. Supply and Demand Dynamics - The rebound in lithium prices is attributed to a combination of improved supply-demand dynamics, expectation adjustments, and capital behavior [8]. - Demand is driven by the increasing penetration of electric vehicles and the expanding scale of the energy storage market, which are key variables for lithium carbonate demand [8]. - On the supply side, production growth is slowing, with reduced output from mica lithium and limited increases in salt lake capacity, leading to tight market conditions [8][9]. Market Outlook - Short-term projections suggest that lithium carbonate prices may experience high-level fluctuations rather than sustained upward trends, supported by ongoing inventory depletion and year-end restocking [9]. - Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, the industry is expected to maintain a tight balance due to continuous demand growth, although cautious purchasing behavior may limit price increases [9].