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2026年碳酸锂年报:储能乘风,锂价向青山
An Liang Qi Huo· 2026-01-07 02:36
Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant information provided. Core Views of the Report - From a fundamental perspective, the lithium carbonate market in 2026 is expected to show a tight - balance pattern with strong supply and demand. The supply side will have a clear division in regions and resource types, with domestic growth led by salt - lake lithium extraction and overseas by ore - based lithium projects. The demand side will be driven by the booming energy - storage market and the rapid increase in the penetration rate of new - energy heavy trucks, along with the stable growth of new - energy vehicle production and sales [2]. - From a technical perspective, given the previous sharp rise and overall bullish market sentiment, the possibility of a rapid and reverse decline in lithium carbonate prices is low. The current price is close to the first important high after the rebound following the decline of lithium carbonate futures, and it may take time to break through this level [2]. Summary by Relevant Catalogs 2025 Lithium Carbonate Trend Analysis: V - shaped Reversal - In 2025, the lithium carbonate market showed a typical V - shaped trend, divided into a unilateral decline from January to June due to weak industry fundamentals and external policy shocks, and an upward - trending period after late June driven by policies and events [5]. - From January to June, the market was in a state of structural oversupply, with downstream new - energy vehicle growth slowing and energy - storage demand under - performing. Social inventory reached 96,000 tons by the end of April, the highest since 2021. After April, the market accelerated its decline due to the US tariff policy, and prices dropped below the break - even point [6]. - After late June, the market rebounded. In July, the "anti - involution" policy boosted sentiment. From late July to September, supply - side events strengthened the expectation of supply contraction, and prices first rose and then fell. After the National Day, the booming energy - storage demand drove prices above 100,000 yuan/ton, and in early December, a new round of upward trend began [7]. Lithium Carbonate Supply Side Capacity and Production - In 2026, the global new lithium carbonate production capacity is expected to be about 30 - 330,000 tons LCE, with a clear division in regions and resource types. Domestic capacity growth will mainly come from salt - lake lithium extraction, while overseas growth will be mainly from ore - based lithium projects. The actual capacity release depends on the price of lithium carbonate [9]. - In 2025, domestic lithium carbonate production increased strongly, with a cumulative output of 871,200 tons from January to November, a year - on - year increase of 44%. The growth was mainly driven by spodumene - based lithium extraction. In 2026, the domestic supply structure is expected to be further optimized, with salt - lake lithium extraction as the key incremental source, but the actual supply release still faces uncertainties [11][12]. Import - At the end of 2025, China's lithium carbonate imports remained stable, with an annual total of about 2.5 million tons. Imports from Argentina increased by 56%, while those from Chile decreased by 17%. In 2026, the import pattern is expected to shift from South - American dominance to diversified supply, with the total import volume expected to be between 2 - 2.5 million tons, but the growth rate may slow [14]. Inventory - Since August 2025, domestic lithium carbonate inventory has been continuously decreasing. In 2026, the market is expected to show a pattern of "both supply and demand increasing, with a tight balance", and the inventory center is expected to move down further and may show seasonal fluctuations [16]. Demand Side Energy Storage - From January to October 2025, the domestic energy - storage winning - bid capacity reached 148GWh, a year - on - year increase of 39%. In 2026, the energy - storage cell shipment is expected to reach 850GWh, and the annual demand for lithium carbonate in this field is expected to increase by more than 162,000 tons LCE. The global energy - storage demand is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 30% - 40% in 2026, with China contributing more than 40% [19]. New - energy Vehicles - From January to October 2025, China's new - energy vehicle market grew strongly, with production and sales increasing by more than 30% year - on - year, accounting for 46.7% of the total new - vehicle sales. Exports reached 2.65 million vehicles, a year - on - year increase of 54%. In 2026, new - energy vehicle production and sales are expected to continue to grow, driving up the demand for lithium carbonate [22][23]. New - energy Heavy Trucks - In 2025, the new - energy heavy - truck market in China grew strongly, with cumulative sales of 1.0423 million vehicles in the first 11 months, a year - on - year increase of 27%. In 2026, the market is expected to enter a stable development stage at a high level, and the penetration rate of new - energy heavy trucks is expected to exceed 30%, even reaching 35% - 40%, which will support the demand for lithium carbonate [24]. Cost Side - As of December 29, the forward spot price of Australian spodumene (5.5% - 6%) was $1680/ton, and the price of lithium - mica concentrate (2% - 2.5%) was 1850 yuan/ton, with monthly increases of over 45%. The weighted cost of lithium carbonate is about 82,000 yuan/ton, which further strengthens the bottom support [28][29]. Summary - The environmental rectification and shutdown of Jiangxi's mica mines in 2025 was the key turning point for the lithium carbonate market from oversupply to tight balance. In 2026, the core contradiction in domestic supply lies in the resumption rhythm and intensity of lithium - mica mines in Jiangxi. Meanwhile, the explosive growth of energy - storage demand requires close tracking of policy implementation and actual demand fulfillment [3][30]. - Historically, the probability of price increases in the second half of the year is higher than in the first half. However, the market may show two scenarios in 2026, especially in the first half: either range - bound at the current high level or form a double - top pattern and then enter an adjustment phase. The depth and timing of subsequent corrections depend on the resumption progress of leading manufacturers and the actual fulfillment of energy - storage demand [3][30].
新中港跌2.03%,成交额1199.08万元,主力资金净流出57.90万元
Xin Lang Cai Jing· 2026-01-07 02:30
Core Viewpoint - The stock price of New Zhonggang has experienced fluctuations, with a recent decline of 2.03% and a total market capitalization of 3.473 billion yuan [1]. Group 1: Stock Performance - Year-to-date, New Zhonggang's stock price has increased by 1.52%, with a 0.81% rise over the last five trading days, a 4.83% decline over the last 20 days, and a 2.25% decrease over the last 60 days [2]. - As of January 7, the stock price is reported at 8.67 yuan per share, with a trading volume of 11.99 million yuan and a turnover rate of 0.34% [1]. Group 2: Financial Performance - For the period from January to September 2025, New Zhonggang achieved operating revenue of 529 million yuan, representing a year-on-year decrease of 18.48%, while the net profit attributable to shareholders increased by 2.51% to 91.83 million yuan [2]. - Since its A-share listing, New Zhonggang has distributed a total of 344 million yuan in dividends, with 204 million yuan distributed over the past three years [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - New Zhonggang, established on October 17, 1997, is located in Shengzhou City, Zhejiang Province, and was listed on July 7, 2021. The company primarily engages in the production and supply of thermal and electric power through cogeneration [2]. - The company's revenue composition includes 95.17% from cogeneration, 4.73% from energy storage, and 0.10% from other sources [2]. - New Zhonggang is classified under the public utility sector, specifically in electricity and thermal services, and is associated with concepts such as small-cap, carbon neutrality, energy storage, QFII holdings, and share buybacks [2].
涨价!涨价!化工悄悄新高了...
Xin Lang Cai Jing· 2026-01-07 01:21
Core Viewpoint - The chemical sector is experiencing a price increase driven by supply constraints and emerging demand, with significant contributions from policy guidance and industry self-discipline [6][7]. Group 1: Market Performance - The chemical ETF surged over 3.3% on January 6, reaching a new high not seen in 22 years [3]. - The chemical ETF's total size has increased to 3.893 billion yuan, marking a historical peak since its inception in August 2025 [4]. Group 2: Price Dynamics - Wanhua Chemical plans to continuously raise global prices for core products like MDI/TDI starting December 2025, aligning with international giants such as BASF and Dow [6]. - The price of lithium hexafluorophosphate and electrolytes saw significant quarterly increases of 185.71% and 92.41%, respectively, in Q4 2025, leading to a sharp recovery in profitability for related companies [7]. Group 3: Industry Fundamentals - After approximately three and a half years of a downturn, the chemical industry is witnessing a peak in capital expenditure, with supply expansion slowing down [6]. - Policies aimed at reducing overcapacity and stabilizing prices are accelerating profit recovery in the sector [6]. Group 4: Demand Factors - Expectations of a global interest rate cut are boosting traditional demand, while emerging fields such as new energy, energy storage, and AI are providing new growth momentum [6]. Group 5: Company Performance - Tianqi Materials, a major component of the chemical ETF, forecasts a net profit of 1.1 to 1.6 billion yuan for 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 127.31% to 230.63% [6]. - The company's Q4 performance is expected to be particularly strong, with a projected net profit of approximately 929 million yuan, a 508% increase compared to Q3 [6].
新高之下,铜价能否更上一层楼?
Qi Huo Ri Bao· 2026-01-07 00:58
1 行情回顾 2025年铜价重心再度攀升,在多重因素共振下突破2024年高点,刷新历史最高纪录。 2025年1月至3月下旬,美国总统特朗普对中国、加拿大、墨西哥等国加征关税,并宣布对铜进口展开232调查。受关税政策预期影响,COMEX市场和LME 市场的套利交易频繁,COMEX铜价大幅上涨,对LME和国内铜价亦有带动。 3月底至4月上旬,美国实施"对等关税",全球经济衰退预期升温,股市和期市大幅下挫,铜价也大幅下跌,录得年内最低点。 4月中下旬,美国宣布对其他国家关税暂停90天,市场风险情绪回升,铜价自低位反弹。5月至8月期间,铜价波动幅度较小,美国与中国等国家达成协议, 关税忧虑消退,但在通胀隐忧下,美联储对降息持谨慎态度。7月底,特朗普宣布对几类进口铜产品征收关税,但将铜原材料排除在外,精铜套利交易有所 减弱。 9月至12月,美国非农数据不及预期,美联储重启降息周期。与此同时,印尼Grasberg铜矿因泥石流引发矿泄事故大幅减产。在宏观和基本面共振下,铜价 迎来大幅上涨行情。此外,2026年国内精铜存在减产预期, COMEX铜库存持续创新高,非美货源偏紧,对铜价形成有力支撑。 截至2025年12月31日, ...
供需紧平衡预期提升 碳酸锂"期现"价格开年大涨
Shang Hai Zheng Quan Bao· 2026-01-07 00:09
Core Viewpoint - The price of lithium carbonate is experiencing a strong increase due to tightening supply expectations, with significant price jumps observed in early January 2025, reaching a record high of 137,940 yuan/ton [1]. Group 1: Price Trends - Lithium carbonate prices have surged from over 80,000 yuan/ton to 137,940 yuan/ton within two months, driven primarily by increased demand for energy storage [1]. - The average price of battery-grade lithium carbonate reached 132,250 yuan/ton on January 6, 2025, marking a 7,900 yuan increase from January 5 [1]. Group 2: Demand Factors - The demand for lithium carbonate is robust, with a notable "rush to buy" observed in the market, as inventory levels have been rapidly depleting [1]. - The sales of lithium carbonate have been recovering since the second half of 2025, with a significant portion of customers relying on long-term contracts due to high demand [1]. Group 3: Supply Dynamics - Supply constraints are expected to persist, with the lithium market transitioning from oversupply to a tighter balance, influenced by factors such as the uncertain resumption of lithium mining in Jiangxi and geopolitical instability [1]. - The inventory of lithium carbonate has been declining for 19 consecutive weeks, indicating a tightening supply situation [1]. Group 4: Policy Support - Government policies, including subsidies for electric vehicle replacements and expanding energy storage compensation standards, are expected to bolster long-term demand for lithium carbonate [1]. - The domestic policy for electric vehicle trade-ins continues to provide significant financial incentives, enhancing market confidence [1]. Group 5: Future Projections - Global demand for lithium carbonate is projected to reach 202,000 tons by 2026, with a 32% year-on-year increase, driven by a surge in energy storage battery demand [1]. - Supply growth is anticipated to be slower due to previous price weaknesses affecting project timelines, with domestic production expected to increase by approximately 59% in 2026 [1]. Group 6: M&A Activity - The rising lithium carbonate market has sparked increased merger and acquisition activity within the industry, with companies like Salt Lake Co. and Shengxin Lithium Energy making significant investments in lithium resources [1]. - Salt Lake Co. plans to acquire a 51% stake in Wenkang Salt Lake for over 4.6 billion yuan, which will significantly boost its lithium carbonate production capacity [1].
A股行业中观景气跟踪月报(2025年12月):涨价链和非银开门红可期-20260106
Shenwan Hongyuan Securities· 2026-01-06 15:38
Investment Rating - The report indicates a positive outlook for the coal mining, black metal mining, and pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors, suggesting potential investment opportunities in these areas [2][3]. Core Insights - The report highlights that the industrial sector is experiencing a recovery in both volume and price indicators, particularly in midstream manufacturing and upstream resource sectors such as coal, oil extraction, black metal mining, and pharmaceutical manufacturing [2][3]. - The manufacturing PMI for December 2025 has returned to the expansion zone at 50.1%, indicating improved order sentiment and operational expectations across various industries [7]. - Consumer confidence has rebounded to a two-year high, although certain sectors like automotive and home appliances are facing challenges due to high base effects and demand saturation [2][3]. Summary by Relevant Sections Industrial Sector Overview - As of November 2025, revenue, industrial added value, and profit growth rates for major industrial enterprises show signs of improvement, particularly in coal, oil extraction, black metal mining, and pharmaceutical manufacturing [2][5]. - The supply side indicates that industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, textiles, and chemicals are experiencing inventory reduction and low fixed asset growth [2][6]. Manufacturing and Economic Indicators - The overall manufacturing PMI has improved, with new orders and business activity expectations showing recovery, particularly in high-tech manufacturing and consumer goods sectors [7]. - The report notes that the consumer market is seeing a decline in growth rates for discretionary spending, while service consumption remains strong [2][3]. Sector-Specific Insights - In advanced manufacturing, sectors like photovoltaic and lithium battery materials are experiencing price increases due to high demand and supply chain adjustments [3]. - The insurance sector is seeing a slowdown in premium income growth, but there is an expectation for a rebound in early 2026 as companies prepare for new business initiatives [3]. Commodity and Price Trends - The report discusses fluctuations in energy prices, with crude oil supply exceeding demand and coal prices remaining low due to high inventory levels and weak heating demand [3][6]. - Industrial metal prices are on the rise, supported by a weaker dollar and increased demand in the context of global economic conditions [3][6].
【公告臻选】风电设备+超级电容+储能+新材料!公司去年四季度签署约33.2亿元风电叶片销售合同
第一财经· 2026-01-06 14:18
Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of efficiently filtering and interpreting key announcements in the market to make informed investment decisions [1] Group 1: Selected Highlights - Company Qihua Data (300857) has seen a cumulative increase of nearly 20% over the last three trading days, with a total increase of approximately 40% since the announcement regarding a maximum investment of 9 billion yuan in cloud computing services [2] - Company Shengxin Lithium Energy (002240) reported that its future five-year order value exceeds 50 billion yuan, with recent trading days showing increases of 3.08%, 6.3%, and 1.26% [2] - Company Xusheng Group (603305) received a significant order worth 7.8 billion yuan from a leading North American electric vehicle manufacturer, resulting in a 3.11% increase in stock price after the announcement [2] Group 2: Industry Trends - The wind power equipment sector is highlighted, with a company ranking among the top three globally in wind turbine blade production, signing sales contracts worth approximately 3.32 billion yuan in the last quarter [3] - In the smart medical field, a company has signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with a brain-computer interface firm, prioritizing capital and equity collaboration under equal conditions [3] - In the semiconductor industry, a company has completed reliability testing for the world's first 300mm double-sided wafer testing platform developed in collaboration with TSMC and NVIDIA [3]
储能爆发、供需紧张、价格普涨 GGII发布2026中国新能源电池十大预测
Zhi Tong Cai Jing· 2026-01-06 12:28
Core Insights - The core prediction for the Chinese lithium battery industry in 2026 indicates a total shipment volume exceeding 2.3 TWh, with a year-on-year growth of nearly 30% [1][2]. - The energy storage lithium battery shipments are expected to surpass 850 GWh, with a growth rate exceeding 35%, while power batteries (including those for passenger and commercial vehicles) will exceed 1.3 TWh, growing over 20% [1][2]. Industry Trends - The independent energy storage market in China is experiencing unexpected growth, supported by capacity price subsidy policies, which have improved the internal rate of return (IRR) for energy storage stations to between 6-12% [3]. - The demand for energy storage is driven by increased needs in Europe and the U.S., particularly in data centers [3]. Market Dynamics - The concentration of orders among leading companies has led to capacity shortages for major manufacturers, while smaller companies face idle capacity, highlighting a core contradiction in supply and demand [2][8]. - The "anti-involution" policy is effectively guiding industry expansion towards leading firms with technological and scale advantages, moving away from blind expansion [2][8]. Supply Chain and Pricing - The lithium battery supply chain is expected to see a collective price increase of over 10% due to tight supply and rising upstream material costs [11][12]. - The price of battery-grade lithium carbonate is projected to stabilize above 120,000 yuan/ton, with potential peaks exceeding 150,000 yuan/ton [11][12]. Production Capacity - The lithium battery industry is entering a third round of expansion, with new effective production capacity expected to exceed 700 GWh in 2026, primarily concentrated among top manufacturers [9]. - The demand for lithium battery equipment is anticipated to grow significantly, with market demand exceeding 65 billion yuan [9]. Emerging Technologies - Solid-state battery shipments are projected to exceed 15 GWh, driven by advancements in core materials and processes, although mass production remains a challenge [14]. - Sodium-ion battery shipments are expected to double to over 10 GWh, with the NFPP route dominating the market due to its cost-effectiveness and performance advantages [16][17]. IPO Trends - 2026 is expected to see a surge in IPO applications from lithium battery industry players, particularly in materials, equipment, and energy storage integration sectors [15]. - Companies with strong technological advantages and binding relationships with major clients are likely to accelerate their IPO processes [15].
碳酸锂期货火爆涨停!先导智能涨超2%,电池50ETF(159796)放量涨超1%喜提两连阳!储能需求全球开花,机构:开启两年持续高增新周期!
Sou Hu Cai Jing· 2026-01-06 09:15
Core Viewpoint - The A-share market continues to rise, with the Shanghai Composite Index increasing by 1.5%, reaching a nearly 10-year high, marking a 13-day consecutive gain [1]. Group 1: Market Performance - The Battery 50 ETF (159796) rose over 1%, with a trading volume of nearly 400 million yuan, achieving two consecutive days of gains [1]. - The top ten component stocks of the Battery 50 ETF show mixed performance, with significant gains from companies like XianDai Intelligent (+2.84%) and GreenMei (+2.49%), while others like Ningde Times (-0.93%) experienced declines [5]. Group 2: Lithium Carbonate Market Dynamics - Lithium carbonate futures surged by 7% yesterday and hit the daily limit today, driven by a shift in supply-demand dynamics towards a tighter balance [4]. - According to Huatai Securities, the oversupply of lithium carbonate is expected to improve significantly by the first half of 2025, with a projected cumulative oversupply of 50,200 tons in 2024, narrowing to 7,955 tons by Q2 2025, and turning into a shortage in Q3 and Q4 with gaps of 15,200 tons and 20,000 tons respectively [7]. Group 3: Demand Growth in Energy Storage - The demand for energy storage is expected to grow significantly, driven by high growth in power batteries and energy storage applications, particularly in AI data centers and renewable energy storage [8]. - Dongwu Securities forecasts a two-year sustained growth cycle for energy storage, with domestic bidding for energy storage expected to reach 190 GWh in 2025, a 138% increase, and cumulative installations projected to exceed 163 GWh, a 47% year-on-year increase [9]. Group 4: Global Energy Storage Trends - In the U.S., the demand for energy storage is expected to rise due to the rapid growth of AI data centers, with projected installations of approximately 53 GWh in 2025 and 80 GWh in 2026, reflecting a 51% year-on-year increase [10]. - European markets are also experiencing growth, with expected installations of 20 GWh in 2025 and 42 GWh in 2026, driven by supportive capacity pricing policies [10]. Group 5: Battery Industry Outlook - The lithium battery materials sector is witnessing positive changes, with energy storage demand exceeding expectations, leading to a recovery in industry sentiment [11]. - The electrolyte supply chain is expected to see an upward trend, supported by energy storage demand and rising lithium carbonate costs, with a projected tight balance in 2026 [11]. Group 6: Investment Strategy in Battery Sector - The Battery 50 ETF (159796) is highlighted for its significant exposure to energy storage (27%) and solid-state battery technology (42%), making it a favorable investment choice amid the expected demand surge [13][15]. - The ETF's management fee is notably low at 0.15% per year, enhancing its attractiveness for investors looking to capitalize on the battery sector's growth [15].
碳酸锂年报:供需平衡逆转,锂价重心上移
Fo Shan Jin Kong Qi Huo· 2026-01-06 07:03
1. Report Industry Investment Rating No information about the industry investment rating is provided in the report. 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - The global lithium resource supply is growing rapidly, and it is expected to reach 2.09 million tons of LCE in 2026, a year - on - year increase of about 24.4%. The supply - demand relationship in the lithium carbonate market is evolving from "oversupply" to "tight balance" and even "structural shortage." [1][3] - The demand for energy storage is expected to grow explosively, with the global energy - storage shipment and installation volume expected to increase by 51% and 60% year - on - year to 930GWh and 480GWh respectively in 2026. The demand for new energy vehicles will grow steadily, with the global sales volume expected to reach 24.45 million vehicles, a year - on - year increase of 12%. [2] - The cost influence in the trading logic of lithium carbonate has significantly decreased, and the price is more sensitive to upward drivers. The average price of lithium carbonate in 2026 is expected to rise further. [3] 3. Summary According to the Directory 3.1 2025 Market Review - **Market Price Review**: In 2025, the price of lithium carbonate showed a "V - shaped" rebound, with a continuous decline in the first half of the year and a strong rebound in the second half. The core driver shifted from "oversupply" to "supply - demand mismatch" caused by unexpected energy - storage demand and supply disturbances. [6] - **Fundamental Logic Review**: The "supply - demand mismatch" caused by supply disturbances and the explosion of energy - storage demand led the market to shift from oversupply to balance reversal. The influence of cost logic on prices decreased significantly. [8][13] 3.2 Supply Maintaining Rapid Growth (+24%) - **Lithium Resource Supply Continuously Increasing, Project Release Accelerating Due to Profit Recovery**: The global lithium resource planned production capacity has been accelerating for several years. Although there were disturbances in 2025, the global supply is expected to increase by 24% to 1.61 million tons of LCE. In 2026, it is expected to reach 2.09 million tons of LCE, a year - on - year increase of about 24.4%. [19][21] - **Significant Disturbances from Domestic Mines and Anti - involution Policies, Continuous High - growth in Lithium Carbonate Production**: In 2025, China's lithium ore reserves increased significantly. The domestic lithium carbonate smelting production capacity is expected to increase by 38.86% to 1.347 million tons of LCE in 2026. [24] 3.3 Lithium - battery Industry Chain Amplifying Demand Growth Rate - **Significant Growth in Cathode Material Production, Lithium Iron Phosphate Dominating**: In 2025, the production of cathode materials and electrolytes increased significantly. Lithium iron phosphate accounted for more than 80% of the market share, mainly due to the high growth of new energy vehicles and the explosive growth of energy - storage demand. [50] - **Strong Growth in the Lithium - battery Industry, China Dominating Globally**: In the first three quarters of 2025, the global power - battery installation volume increased by 35.5% year - on - year. Chinese battery companies occupied a dominant position globally. China is the world's largest producer and consumer of lithium batteries, with healthy supply - demand relationships and strong export performance. [58][66][67] 3.4 Energy - storage Demand Prospects for Explosive Growth (+51%) - **High - speed Growth in Energy - storage Battery Shipment in 2025**: In 2025, the global energy - storage battery shipment is expected to increase by 65% year - on - year to 610GWh. In 2026, the energy - storage cell shipment is expected to increase by 51% year - on - year to 930GW. [85] - **Energy - storage Entering a Definite High - growth Period**: Driven by policies and market mechanisms, the Chinese energy - storage market is in a high - growth period. Overseas energy - storage orders are also increasing significantly. It is expected that the global energy - storage installation volume will reach 480GWh in 2026, a year - on - year increase of 60%. [92][97][100] 3.5 New Energy Vehicle Demand Growing Steadily (+18%) - **New Energy Vehicle High - growth Reaching an Inflection Point**: In 2025, the production and sales of new energy vehicles in China increased significantly. Globally, the sales volume of new energy vehicles is expected to reach 21.65 million, a year - on - year increase of 22%. In 2026, the global sales volume is expected to reach 24.45 million, a year - on - year increase of 12%. [106][109][116] - **High Terminal Demand for Lithium Carbonate**: In 2025, the single - vehicle power consumption of new energy vehicles in China increased significantly, and the demand for lithium carbonate increased by 31.74% year - on - year. In 2026, there will still be a 17.56% year - on - year increase. The current industrial chain inventory is healthy, and the replenishment of the industrial chain will amplify the demand. [120][121] 3.6 Balance and Price Outlook - **Balance**: In 2026, the global lithium resource supply is expected to have a surplus of nearly 80,000 tons, with a surplus rate of 3.9%, and the surplus volume is expected to narrow compared to 2025. In China, there is expected to be a shortage of 55,000 tons of lithium carbonate. [131][133] - **Price**: The cost influence on the lithium carbonate price has decreased significantly. The price is more sensitive to upward drivers and is likely to surge during supply disturbances, industrial chain replenishment, and supply - demand seasonal mismatches. The average price of lithium carbonate in 2026 is expected to rise further. [134]