ZHESHANG SECURITIES·2025-12-01 09:34Core Insights - The lithium industry has experienced significant oversupply since 2023, with supply growth outpacing demand growth, leading to a decline in lithium prices from a peak of 590,000 to 60,000, resulting in some high-cost projects in Australia being shut down and major companies incurring losses [4] - Starting in 2025, energy storage demand is expected to exceed expectations, becoming the second growth curve for lithium demand, with projected demand for lithium carbonate reaching 345,000 tons in 2025 and potentially exceeding 500,000 tons next year, a tenfold increase compared to 50,000 tons in 2021 [4] - The year 2026 is anticipated to be a watershed year for supply-demand reversal in the industry, with new applications in electric heavy trucks and ships, as well as technological advancements, likely to drive growth in power battery shipments [4] - The nickel industry has seen a continuous increase in supply due to investments by several Chinese companies in Indonesia, with supply expected to reach 2.2 million tons in 2024, accounting for 59% of global supply, while demand remains primarily driven by stainless steel [4] - The cobalt industry is experiencing a tightening supply due to the Democratic Republic of Congo's quota system, which has effectively raised cobalt prices [4] Lithium Industry - The lithium industry is currently in a state of supply-demand balance, with inventory levels decreasing [12] - The production of lithium iron phosphate batteries has seen significant growth, with a year-on-year increase of 65% in output [21] - The demand for lithium is projected to reach 195,000 tons in 2026, with supply at approximately 197,700 tons, indicating a narrowing surplus [37] - Major companies to watch include Ganfeng Lithium, Tianqi Lithium, and Yahua Group, which are expected to see rapid growth in their own mining operations [47] Nickel Industry - Nickel prices have been fluctuating since 2025, with LME and domestic inventories at high levels, indicating a supply surplus [50][56] - The overall supply of refined nickel in China is expected to be in surplus in 2025, with a projected supply of 379,000 tons against a demand of 361,000 tons [59] - Companies with a competitive edge in Indonesia, such as Huayou Cobalt and Liqin Resources, are recommended for investment [67] Cobalt Industry - Cobalt prices have been gradually increasing since the Democratic Republic of Congo's ban on mining exports, with the price of electrolytic cobalt reaching 405,000 yuan per ton [75] - Domestic cobalt salt production has increased, while imports of cobalt intermediate products have declined [78] - Investment opportunities in the cobalt sector include companies like Huayou Cobalt and Luoyang Molybdenum [72]