Core Viewpoint - Lithium stocks continue to rise, driven by increasing lithium carbonate futures prices and supply chain disruptions affecting production timelines [1] Group 1: Market Performance - As of the report, Ganfeng Lithium (01772) increased by 3.47% to HKD 58.1, while Tianqi Lithium (09696) rose by 2.92% to HKD 54.55 [1] - On December 23, lithium carbonate futures prices surpassed RMB 120,000 per ton, with a daily increase of over 5% [1] - The main contract for lithium carbonate further increased by over 5%, reaching RMB 124,360 per ton [1] Group 2: Supply Chain Insights - A major mica lithium mine in Jiangxi announced its first environmental assessment on December 18, leading to delays in production resumption, with no recovery expected in December and challenges anticipated in January [1] - The expectation of inventory accumulation during the off-season is further weakened, while low inventory levels are expected to support price increases in the coming year [1] - If the mine's resumption continues to be delayed, it may not support the demand during the second quarter peak season, amplifying the upward price elasticity of lithium [1] Group 3: Industry Outlook - The China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association's lithium division recently released a report on the lithium industry's performance for November 2025, indicating a gradual increase in lithium carbonate futures prices and greater volatility [1] - The third-quarter performance of lithium companies showed a rebound, with optimistic market expectations for future lithium prices [1] - On the supply side, market inventory is gradually decreasing, while lithium salt production has slightly declined, and lithium spodumene production has seen a minor increase [1] - On the demand side, there is a surge in sales of new energy vehicles ahead of subsidy reductions, and energy storage is performing well [1]