锂产业链月度追踪（202505）：5月锂供需基本平衡，产业链整体累库速度放缓-20250710

Investment Rating - The industry rating is "Outperform the Market" [7] Core Insights - In May, the lithium supply and demand were basically balanced, with an overall slowdown in inventory accumulation across the industry chain [3][5] - The report highlights that the short-term outlook for lithium carbonate prices is expected to return to fundamental trends, with potential price increases, while the long-term supply-demand imbalance has not yet reversed [5][107] Supply Side Summary - In May, lithium ore imports totaled 484,000 tons, down 4.3% year-on-year but up 5.9% month-on-month, with Australia accounting for 371,000 tons [3][14] - The cumulative lithium supply from January to May 2025 increased by 40.2% year-on-year, reaching 519,700 tons [42][97] - The supply of lithium salts in May was 105,500 tons LCE, reflecting an 8.9% month-on-month increase [42] Demand Side Summary - In May, the consumption of lithium carbonate was 91,000 tons, with a year-on-year increase of 40% for the first five months of 2025 [23][24] - The demand for lithium salts from January to May 2025 increased by 39.7% year-on-year, totaling 485,700 tons LCE [72][97] - The demand for lithium in the power battery sector saw a significant year-on-year increase of 61.6% during the same period [88] Price Trends - As of June, lithium carbonate prices are experiencing fluctuations, with market supply increasing and inventory trends showing accumulation, leading to continued price pressure [101][103] - The price of battery-grade lithium carbonate was 61,200 CNY per ton, down 33% year-on-year [101] Investment Recommendations - The report suggests a strategic focus on stocks such as Salt Lake Co., Cangge Mining, Yongxing Materials, and others for potential investment opportunities [5][107]