2 1 Shi Ji Jing Ji Bao Dao·2026-02-24 09:46Group 1 - The lithium carbonate market experienced a strong opening after the Lunar New Year, with the main futures contract opening high and reaching a peak of 165,800 yuan/ton, marking a daily increase of 10.56%, the largest since its listing [1] - The spot market also saw a rise, with battery-grade lithium carbonate averaging 152,000 yuan/ton, up 8,250 yuan/ton (5.74%), and industrial-grade lithium carbonate averaging 148,500 yuan/ton, also up 8,250 yuan/ton (5.88%) [1] - The A-share lithium mining index rose by 3.77%, with major stocks like Shengxin Lithium Energy and Yongxing Materials seeing increases of over 5% [1] Group 2 - UBS raised its lithium price forecast significantly, predicting an average price of 170,000 yuan/ton for 2026, a 26% increase, and 200,000 yuan/ton for 2027, driven by growing demand from electric vehicles and energy storage [2] - A fire at a lithium salt factory in Jiangxi, a key production area, raised concerns about production stability, contributing to the upward price pressure [2] - The U.S. Supreme Court's decision to eliminate certain additional tariffs is expected to lower the overall tariff costs for Chinese energy storage products exported to the U.S. by about 5%, positively impacting the profit margins of related companies [3]