Core Insights - The article highlights a significant shift in the lithium battery materials market, where prices of various materials such as lithium hexafluorophosphate and electrolytes are rising, driven not by lithium prices but by a robust chemical supply chain [2][3][4][6]. Price Dynamics - Since November, prices of lithium battery materials have been on the rise, including lithium hexafluorophosphate, electrolytes, and iron phosphate [2]. - Unlike previous trends where lithium prices dictated the market, this price increase is attributed to the strong performance of the chemical sector, indicating a shift from a "resource dividend" to a "process dividend" [3][4]. - The price of lithium carbonate has fluctuated around 80,000 yuan/ton, showing a slight downward trend, contrasting with the rising costs in the chemical raw material chain [7][21]. Chemical Sector Influence - Key chemical components such as yellow phosphorus and anhydrous hydrofluoric acid have seen price increases, which subsequently raise the costs of iron phosphate and lithium hexafluorophosphate [8][10]. - The price of yellow phosphorus has increased approximately 2% to around 22,000 yuan/ton since November, impacting the cost structure of lithium battery materials [8]. Demand and Supply Factors - The demand for VC (vinylene carbonate) has surged due to changes in battery demand structures, with total demand expected to exceed 70,000 tons this year against an effective production capacity of only 80,000 tons [15][17]. - The increase in demand for energy storage and LFP (lithium iron phosphate) vehicles has contributed to the recovery of iron phosphate prices [9]. Industry Trends - The article notes a structural shift in the lithium battery industry, where the focus is moving from lithium mining to chemical processing capabilities, indicating a new competitive landscape [55][59]. - Companies like Tianqi Materials and Duofluor have established integrated chemical systems, enhancing their competitive edge in the market [31][36]. Future Outlook - The upcoming 2025 High-Performance Lithium Battery Conference will address critical topics such as battery material innovation and the new supply chain ecosystem, reflecting the industry's evolving dynamics [60][61]. - The article suggests that the next decade will see a focus on chemical and process capabilities rather than just resource ownership, reshaping the industry's growth narrative [55][58].