Zhong Guo Neng Yuan Wang·2026-02-10 01:01Core Viewpoint - The lithium battery supply chain has experienced significant price increases from 2020 to 2022, driven by strong demand and a smooth transmission of price hikes across the industry [2][3]. Group 1: Price Trends - Electrolyte prices started at 70,000 CNY/ton in September 2020, rising to 100,000 CNY/ton by the end of the year, and reaching a peak of 580,000 CNY/ton in February 2022, with long-term contract prices stabilizing between 200,000 to 300,000 CNY/ton [2][3]. - Iron lithium cathode prices, including phosphoric acid iron and processing fees, doubled in 2021, peaking at over 40,000 CNY/ton by the end of that year [2][3]. - Anode prices began to rise in Q3 2021 due to graphite production constraints, increasing from 12,000 CNY/ton to a high of 25,000 to 28,000 CNY/ton by Q2 2022 [2][3]. Group 2: Supply Chain Dynamics - Lithium carbonate prices rebounded from a low of 40,000 CNY/ton at the end of 2020 to 50,000 CNY/ton in early 2021, and surged to 300,000 CNY/ton by the end of 2021, eventually reaching 520,000 CNY/ton by February 2022 [2][3]. - The battery sector has effectively transmitted raw material price increases, with battery prices rising by 1 cent/wh in Q1 2021 and accelerating to 2-3 cents/wh in Q1 and Q2 of 2022, reaching over 1 CNY/wh [2][3]. Group 3: Future Outlook - Current market conditions resemble Q4 2020, with expectations for continued price increases due to strong demand and low profitability levels compared to previous years [3]. - The industry's expansion willingness is significantly lower than in 2021, with limited new supply expected by 2026, suggesting a more stable price environment [3]. - The anticipated price increases are not expected to be as dramatic as in 2021, with supply-demand tightness projected to be lower, particularly for hexafluorophosphate and lithium carbonate [3]. Group 4: Investment Recommendations - The current valuation of leading companies is considered reasonable, with expected industry growth of 20% in 2027, suggesting potential for investment in the battery sector, including companies like CATL, Yiwei Lithium Energy, and others [4]. - Material leaders such as Keda Lithium and others are also highlighted as strong investment opportunities, alongside companies in the lithium carbonate sector [4]. - The solid-state battery sector is recommended for investment, particularly with catalysts expected to materialize in Q4 2025 [4].