磷酸铁锂成本临“拐点”

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the increasing cost pressures on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) production due to rising prices of key raw materials, particularly ferrous sulfate, which is influenced by the declining operating rates in the titanium dioxide industry [2][3]. Group 1: Industry Dynamics - The titanium dioxide industry is experiencing a decline in operating rates, currently at 65.83% as of June 2025, down over 12 percentage points since April, leading to a tightening supply of ferrous sulfate [2]. - The current market price for ferrous sulfate has risen to 1800-1900 RMB per ton, driven by low inventory levels, which may soon surpass the cost levels of iron powder-based processes [2]. - Approximately two-thirds of the iron sources used in domestic LFP production come from ferrous sulfate, indicating its critical role in the cost structure of LFP manufacturing [2]. Group 2: Cost Structure Sensitivity - The cost structure of LFP is highly dependent on the stability of raw material markets, which include iron, phosphorus, and lithium sources, making it sensitive to price fluctuations in upstream industries [3]. - The pricing mechanism in the LFP industry is primarily based on lithium pricing, which is influenced by the average monthly price of battery-grade lithium carbonate, but increasing volatility in phosphorus and iron prices could compress profit margins if not managed effectively [3]. Group 3: Strategic Responses - There is a growing consensus among LFP companies to integrate upstream resources to mitigate cost pressures, with companies like Hunan Youneng securing phosphate resources in Guizhou for self-supply and Longpan Technology partnering with CATL to establish a lithium carbonate processing plant [4].