3 6 Ke·2025-12-25 03:26Core Viewpoint - The lithium carbonate market is experiencing a resurgence, with prices surpassing 120,000 yuan/ton, indicating a potential new upward cycle after a significant decline [1][3]. Supply and Demand Dynamics - The supply-demand structure for lithium carbonate is shifting from oversupply to a balanced state, with a notable improvement in the supply situation expected by mid-2025 [3][4]. - Supply constraints are emerging as high-cost production is being curtailed, leading to a projected shortage of 21,000 tons for the year [4]. - Current inventory levels for lithium carbonate are low, with social inventory at 116,000 tons and upstream lithium salt plant inventory at 5-6 days, indicating tight supply conditions [4]. Demand Growth - The demand for lithium carbonate is being driven by the rapid growth of power batteries and energy storage, particularly in AI data centers and renewable energy storage [5][6]. - China's energy storage battery shipments for Q1-Q3 2025 reached 430 GWh, exceeding 30% of the total for 2024, with an expected annual growth rate of over 75% [6]. Cost and Production Techniques - The lithium carbonate industry is characterized by significant cost differences due to varying extraction techniques, including spodumene, salt lake, and lepidolite methods [9][11]. - Spodumene extraction is currently the dominant method, accounting for approximately 225,000 tons of production in the first half of 2025, with a year-on-year increase of 74% [11]. - Salt lake extraction has the lowest production costs, around 30,000 yuan/ton, and is expected to increase its market share significantly [13]. Company Performance and Competitive Landscape - Leading companies such as Ganfeng Lithium, Tianqi Lithium, and Salt Lake Industry are positioned to benefit from the price increase, with Ganfeng having the largest lithium salt production capacity [14][16]. - Ganfeng Lithium's diverse business structure includes chemical materials and battery products, but it faces higher production costs and significant debt levels [16][17]. - Tianqi Lithium has a strong cost advantage in its mining operations, but its production capacity is limited compared to Ganfeng [16][18]. - Salt Lake Industry, with its low-cost extraction methods, is expected to gain a competitive edge in the upcoming cycle due to faster production ramp-up [18].