起点锂电·2025-12-05 10:13Core Viewpoint - The lithium battery separator industry is experiencing a significant price increase, driven by a reversal in supply-demand dynamics, cost pressures, and policy guidance, marking a shift from price competition to product quality competition [10][12][15]. Group 1: Price Adjustments and Market Dynamics - Leading separator manufacturer Xingyuan Material announced a 30% price increase for its wet-process separator products, attracting significant market attention [5]. - The separator industry began a reversal trend in August 2025, with wet-process separator prices rising by 10% by the end of October [7]. - The price increase from leading companies signals a clear shift in the supply-demand balance, indicating that the industry has reached a turning point after two years of price wars [8]. Group 2: Supply-Demand Reversal and Structural Shortages - The core feature of the lithium battery separator industry in 2025 is a structural shortage due to supply-demand mismatch, with a 47.6% year-on-year increase in separator shipments [12]. - The demand for high-end wet-process separators is driven by the energy density and power performance requirements in the energy storage market, leading to a significant increase in their market share [12]. - Major manufacturers are operating at over 90% capacity utilization, with wet-process separators rapidly replacing dry-process ones due to performance advantages [13]. Group 3: Cost Pressures and Policy Influence - Rising raw material costs and previous price wars have led to thin or negative profit margins for many companies, making price increases a necessary step for profit recovery [15]. - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's meetings aimed at curbing "involution" in the industry have fostered a policy environment conducive to price recovery, breaking the cycle of irrational competition [10][11]. Group 4: Future Outlook and Strategic Moves - If the current price increases are successful, it will shift the pricing model from cost-based to market-driven, enhancing the industry's confidence in further price hikes [17]. - Major separator manufacturers are expected to strengthen strategic partnerships with battery manufacturers to ensure stable supply amid rising prices [17]. - The industry is likely to face a continued structural shortage of high-end separators, particularly 5μm products, due to high production requirements and limited capable manufacturers [19].