Group 1: Report Industry Investment Rating - No relevant content provided Group 2: Core Views of the Report - The lithium salt market is currently experiencing strong supply and demand. However, after the holiday, as the atmosphere in the new energy vehicle market changes and the downstream replenishment pace slows, there is a risk of lithium salt price decline. For industrial silicon, the short - term supply and demand are okay, but there is uncertainty in the future. For polysilicon, the situation of strong expectation and weak reality continues, and the market may fluctuate due to policy news [3][5][8] Group 3: Summary According to the Directory First Part: Spot Prices 1.1 Plate Strategy Recommendation - For lithium carbonate 11, the market is characterized by strong supply and demand with a weakening atmosphere. The upstream is recommended to seize the opportunity of selling hedging when the price surges, and downstream cathode material enterprises should focus on low - price stocking or buying hedging. The support level is 68,000 - 70,000, and the pressure level is 75,000 - 76,000. - For industrial silicon 11, although there is an increasing expectation of demand - side production cuts, the price still has support below. It is recommended to adopt an interval trading strategy and consider long - position allocation in the current interval. The support level is 8,200 - 8,300, and the pressure level is 9,200 - 9,300. - For polysilicon 11, with the news of capacity control policies, long positions can be held cautiously. If one wants to increase positions, it is recommended to participate through buying call options. The support level is 47,000 - 48,000, and the pressure level is 52,000 - 53,000 [14] 1.2 Futures and Spot Price Changes - The closing price of lithium carbonate is 72,720, with a daily increase of 0.06%, trading volume of 225,238, open interest of 188,523 (a decrease of 4,408 compared to the previous day), and 33,076 warehouse receipts. - The closing price of industrial silicon is 8,570, with a daily increase of 0.59%, trading volume of 225,068, open interest of 142,381 (a decrease of 20,293 compared to the previous day), and 50,357 warehouse receipts. - The closing price of polysilicon is 50,865, with a daily increase of 3.37%, trading volume of 276,176, open interest of 80,114 (a decrease of 1,274 compared to the previous day), and 8,050 warehouse receipts [15] Second Part: Fundamental Situation 2.1 Lithium Carbonate Fundamental Data - **Production and Inventory Situation**: During the holiday week, the lithium carbonate production was 20,635 tons, an increase of 119 tons compared to the previous week, reaching a new weekly production high. Except for a slight decrease in the production of lithium extracted from mica, the production of other lithium - extraction processes continued to rise. The total sample inventory of lithium carbonate last week was 134,801 tons, a decrease of 2,024 tons in the past two weeks, but the inventory was still at a high level. The inventory of lithium salt enterprises increased around the holiday, the inventory in the intermediate links decreased, and the downstream inventory slightly declined [3] - **Downstream Situation**: The downstream material factories are becoming more cautious, and the overall market trading activity is average. From October 1 - 12, the wholesale volume of national passenger car manufacturers was 546,000, a year - on - year decrease of 11% and a 15% decrease compared to the same period last month [3] 2.2 Industrial Silicon Fundamental Data - **Production and Inventory Situation**: Southwest China will enter the dry season in November, and production cuts may be planned at the end of October, while large factories in Xinjiang have production increase expectations. The total production of industrial silicon is expected to remain high in October and gradually decline in November [5] - **Downstream Situation**: The traditional peak season demand is okay, and the production of the polysilicon segment continues to increase. However, considering the "production - limit and sales - control" self - discipline plan in the industry, there is great uncertainty in demand. The news of capacity control in the photovoltaic industry on Tuesday has increased the market's concern about the future demand for industrial silicon [5] 2.3 Polysilicon Fundamental Data - **Production and Inventory Situation**: Driven by high profits, enterprises are highly motivated to produce, and the production of polysilicon in October will exceed expectations. However, due to weak terminal demand, downstream production cuts are gradually advancing, and the polysilicon inventory has shown an obvious accumulation trend. As of the week of October 10, the national polysilicon sample inventory was 253,900 tons, a week - on - week increase of 11,700 tons [8] - **Downstream Situation**: The national photovoltaic new - installed capacity in August was only 7.36GW, hitting a new low this year, indicating a weak downstream demand [8]

Group 1: Investment Rating - No investment rating information is provided in the report. Group 2: Core View - The lithium carbonate market is currently in a state of divergence due to both supply and demand increases. It is expected to maintain a narrow - range fluctuation within the 72,000 - 75,000 point range in the near term. The supply - demand contradiction is not yet intensified, and price breakthrough requires new driving factors [1][3]. Group 3: Summary by Directory 1. Daily Market Summary - **Futures Market Data**: On October 15, the main contract of lithium carbonate closed at 72,720 yuan/ton, up 0.06% from the previous day, showing a narrow - range oscillation pattern in the past week. The basis weakened to 180 yuan/ton. The main contract's open interest decreased by 4,408 lots to 188,523 lots, and the trading volume shrank by 16.68% to 225,238 lots [1][5]. - **Supply - Demand and Inventory**: The utilization rate of lithium salt production capacity remained at a high level of 71.3%. The prices of spodumene concentrate and lithium mica remained stable at 6,370 yuan/ton and 3,400 yuan/ton respectively. The demand for power batteries was strong, with new - energy passenger vehicle retail sales in September increasing by 16% year - on - year to 1.307 million vehicles, and the penetration rate reaching 58.5%. The price of ternary materials significantly rebounded, and the price of lithium hexafluorophosphate rose by 500 yuan to 74,000 yuan/ton. The total inventory of lithium carbonate decreased for four consecutive weeks to 134,801 tons, and the registered warrants also decreased, indicating that the industry chain has entered the active de - stocking stage [2]. 2. Industrial Chain Price Monitoring - On October 15, the price of the lithium carbonate main contract increased slightly by 40 yuan to 72,720 yuan/ton, with a change rate of 0.06%. The basis weakened by 40 yuan to 180 yuan/ton, with a change rate of - 18.18%. The open interest of the main contract decreased by 4,408 lots to 188,523 lots, and the trading volume decreased by 45,089 lots to 225,238 lots. The market price of battery - grade lithium carbonate remained unchanged at 72,900 yuan/ton. The prices of spodumene concentrate and lithium mica also remained stable. The price of lithium hexafluorophosphate rose by 500 yuan to 74,000 yuan/ton, and the price of power - type ternary materials increased by 3,000 yuan to 128,500 yuan/ton [5]. 3. Industrial Dynamics and Interpretation - **Spot Market Quotation**: On October 15, the SMM battery - grade lithium carbonate index price was 73,037 yuan/ton, up 30 yuan/ton from the previous working day. The price range of battery - grade lithium carbonate was 72,400 - 73,600 yuan/ton, with an average price of 73,000 yuan/ton, remaining unchanged from the previous working day. The price range of industrial - grade lithium carbonate was 70,150 - 71,350 yuan/ton, with an average price of 70,750 yuan/ton, also remaining unchanged. The lithium carbonate futures price continued the oscillating trend, with the main contract in the range of 72,200 - 73,800 yuan/ton. In October, the supply is expected to increase steadily, but the strong demand in the power and energy - storage fields will drive the market into a significant de - stocking stage, resulting in a phased supply - tight situation [6]. - **Downstream Consumption**: According to preliminary statistics from the Passenger Car Association, from September 1 - 30, the retail sales of new - energy passenger vehicles nationwide reached 1.307 million, a year - on - year increase of 16% and a month - on - month increase of 17%. The penetration rate of new - energy passenger vehicle retail sales was 58.5%, and the cumulative retail sales this year reached 8.878 million, a year - on - year increase of 24%. The wholesale volume of new - energy passenger vehicles by manufacturers nationwide was 1.489 million, a year - on - year increase of 21% and a month - on - month increase of 15%. The wholesale penetration rate was 53.8%, and the cumulative wholesale volume this year reached 10.433 million, a year - on - year increase of 32% [7]. - **Industry News**: On September 20, the mechanical and electrical equipment of EVE Energy's Hungary base officially entered, marking the project's civil engineering entering a critical stage. The base is expected to be completed in 2026 and will supply large - cylindrical batteries to BMW Group's Debrecen plant. On September 25, Tianqi Lithium's 30,000 - ton battery - grade lithium hydroxide project in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu was completed and put into operation. On September 20 - 24, Tibet Mining's 10,000 - ton lithium carbonate project at Zabuye Salt Lake completed a 120 - hour functional assessment, indicating its official operation, which is expected to significantly improve the domestic lithium resource self - sufficiency rate [8][9].

Core Viewpoint - Qinghai Salt Lake Industry Co., Ltd. has launched a 40,000 tons/year integrated lithium salt project, enhancing lithium resource extraction efficiency and quality, while strengthening China's self-supply capability in lithium resources [1] Group 1: Project Overview - The new project utilizes old brine from potassium fertilizer production as raw material, employing advanced "continuous ion exchange moving bed + membrane coupling" integrated technology [1] - The project has achieved a 25.63% increase in comprehensive yield across three lithium workshops, reaching 82.4%, thus optimizing lithium extraction efficiency and resource utilization [1] Group 2: Industry Impact - The project is expected to solidify Qinghai Salt Lake's leading position in the lithium industry, which is crucial for energy transition and achieving carbon neutrality goals [1] - The design and construction of the project align with industry standards, focusing on high-end, green, and intelligent development, leveraging "5G+" technology to promote green electricity projects [1]

Group 1: Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant information provided. Group 2: Core Views of the Report - The current lithium salt market shows strong supply and demand. After the holiday, as the downstream restocking pace slows, there is a risk of lithium salt price decline. The follow - up arrangements of Yichun lithium mica mines are yet to be clarified, and international macro factors may disrupt the market. For industrial silicon, the short - term supply and demand are acceptable, but there is uncertainty in the future. For polysilicon, the situation of strong expectation and weak reality continues, and the market may fluctuate [2][5][6]. Group 3: Summary by Directory Part I: Spot Prices 1.1 Plate Strategy Recommendation - For lithium carbonate 11, the market has strong supply and demand but a weakening atmosphere. It is expected to fluctuate and weaken. The upstream should seize the opportunity to sell and hedge when the price rises, and downstream cathode material enterprises should focus on low - price stockpiling or buying hedging. The support level is 68,000 - 70,000, and the pressure level is 75,000 - 76,000 [15]. - For industrial silicon 11, the demand - side reduction expectation is increasing, but there is still support below the price. It is expected to fluctuate within a range. Currently, it can be considered for long - position allocation within the range. The support level is 8,200 - 8,300, and the pressure level is 9,200 - 9,300 [15]. - For polysilicon 11, there are rumors about capacity control policies. It is expected to have wide - range fluctuations. Short - sellers should temporarily exit, and aggressive investors can consider going long at low prices. The support level is 47,000 - 48,000, and the pressure level is 52,000 - 53,000 [15]. - There are currently no good arbitrage opportunities [15]. 1.2 Futures and Spot Price Changes - The closing price of lithium carbonate is 72,680, with a daily increase of 0.55%, trading volume of 270,327, and an open interest of 192,931 (a decrease of 14,532 compared to the previous day), and 35,180 warehouse receipts [16]. - The closing price of industrial silicon is 8,520, with a daily decrease of 3.24%, trading volume of 287,277, and an open interest of 162,674 (a decrease of 3,048 compared to the previous day), and 51,197 warehouse receipts [16]. - The closing price of polysilicon is 49,990, with a daily increase of 2.55%, trading volume of 297,703, and an open interest of 81,388 (a decrease of 6,277 compared to the previous day), and 7,950 warehouse receipts [16]. Part II: Fundamental Situation 2.1 Lithium Carbonate Fundamental Data - **Production and Inventory Situation**: On Tuesday, the SMM battery - grade lithium carbonate index price was 73,007 yuan/ton, down 32 yuan/ton from the previous working day. The average price of battery - grade lithium carbonate was 73,000 yuan/ton, and the average price of industrial - grade lithium carbonate was 70,750 yuan/ton, both down 100 yuan/ton from the previous working day. During the holiday week, the lithium carbonate production was 20,635 tons, an increase of 119 tons from the previous week, reaching a new weekly high. The total sample inventory of lithium carbonate last week was 134,801 tons, a decrease of 2,024 tons in the past two weeks, but the inventory was still at a high level. The weekly apparent demand for lithium carbonate was 21,647 tons, remaining at a recent high [2]. - **Downstream Situation**: The report does not provide detailed downstream situation information other than the demand data mentioned above [2]. 2.2 Industrial Silicon Fundamental Data - **Production and Inventory Situation**: The southwest region will enter the dry season in November, and production reduction plans may be gradually initiated at the end of October, but large factories in Xinjiang have production increase expectations. The total production of industrial silicon is expected to remain high in October and gradually decline in November [6]. - **Downstream Situation**: The traditional peak season demand performance is acceptable, with the output of the polysilicon segment continuing to increase. However, considering the industry's "production - limit and sales - control" self - discipline plan, the demand has great uncertainty. On Tuesday, there were rumors of capacity control in the photovoltaic industry, increasing concerns about future demand for industrial silicon [6]. 2.3 Polysilicon Fundamental Data - **Production and Inventory Situation**: Driven by high profits, enterprises' production enthusiasm is high. In October, the polysilicon output will exceed expectations. However, terminal demand is weak. As of October 10, the national polysilicon sample inventory was 253,900 tons, a weekly increase of 11,700 tons [8][9]. - **Downstream Situation**: The downstream is gradually reducing production. There are expectations of capacity control policies, which may affect the market [9].

报告期内，公司优质头部客户订单稳定，部分客户终端产品市场反馈良好带动公司锂盐产品第三季度销 量大幅增长。 雅化集团(002497.SZ)披露2025年前三季度业绩预告，公司预计归属于上市公司股东的净利润3.2亿元至 3.6亿元，同比增长106.97%至132.84%;扣除非经常性损益后的净利润2.55亿元至2.95亿元，同比增长 126.75%至162.32%。 ...

Core Viewpoint - Yahua Group (002497.SZ) expects a significant increase in net profit for the first three quarters of 2025, projecting a growth of 106.97% to 132.84% year-on-year, driven by strong sales of lithium salt products and improved operational efficiency [1] Financial Performance - The estimated net profit attributable to shareholders is between 320 million yuan and 360 million yuan for the first three quarters of 2025 [1] - This represents a year-on-year increase of approximately 106.97% to 132.84% compared to the same period last year [1] Sales and Operations - The company experienced a substantial increase in sales volume of lithium salt products in the third quarter, attributed to stable orders from high-quality clients and positive market feedback on end products [1] - Yahua Group has focused on balancing mining, production, and sales to enhance efficiency and reduce costs, leading to a notable improvement in operational performance [1]

Core Viewpoint - Yahua Group expects a significant increase in net profit for the first three quarters, indicating strong operational performance and demand for lithium salt products [1] Financial Performance - The net profit attributable to shareholders is projected to be between 320 million and 360 million yuan, representing a year-on-year increase of 106.97% to 132.84% [1] - The net profit excluding non-recurring gains and losses is expected to be between 255 million and 295 million yuan, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 126.75% to 162.32% [1] Operational Highlights - The company has maintained stable orders from high-quality key customers, contributing to the growth in sales volume of lithium salt products in the third quarter [1] - Positive market feedback for some customers' end products has further driven sales growth [1] - Yahua Group has enhanced its production and operational management, focusing on balancing mining, production, and sales to improve efficiency and reduce costs [1]

Core Viewpoint - After hitting a low in profit growth in the first quarter, Salt Lake Co., Ltd. (000792.SZ) has begun to release its performance on a quarterly basis, with significant profit increases expected in the upcoming quarters [1][3]. Financial Performance - The company forecasts a net profit attributable to shareholders of between 4.3 billion to 4.8 billion yuan for the first three quarters, with the third quarter expected to yield 1.8 billion to 2.2 billion yuan, representing a year-on-year increase of 93.77% to 136.83% [3][4]. - Quarterly net profits for the first three quarters are reported as 1.145 billion yuan, 1.375 billion yuan, and an estimated 1.8 billion to 2.2 billion yuan [8]. Market Dynamics - The price of potassium fertilizer, the company's main product, has been rising due to supply constraints from Russia and Belarus, coupled with seasonal demand increases in major agricultural regions [7]. - The ex-factory price of potassium chloride (60% powder) in Qinghai is reported to have risen from 2,550 yuan/ton at the end of 2024 to 3,200 yuan/ton in mid-July, stabilizing around 3,100 yuan/ton since then [7]. Sales and Production Capacity - The company has a current production capacity of 5 million tons of potassium chloride per year, with sales in the first three quarters totaling 2.86 million tons, indicating potential for increased sales in the fourth quarter [11]. - Forecasts suggest that fourth-quarter potassium chloride sales could range from 1.64 million to 2.14 million tons, a significant increase from 1.08 million tons in the third quarter [11]. Lithium Production - The company recently launched a new integrated lithium salt project with a capacity of 40,000 tons per year, which is expected to produce 3,000 tons of lithium carbonate this year [12][13]. - The new lithium capacity is fully owned by the company, allowing it to retain all profits generated from this production [13]. Future Outlook - The overall profit growth trend is expected to continue into the fourth quarter, supported by favorable potassium prices and potential increases in sales volume [9][10]. - The lithium market is anticipated to recover, with historical price fluctuations indicating significant potential for profit increases in the future [14].

Group 1: Report Summary Investment Ratings - The report does not provide industry investment ratings. Core Views - **Carbonate Lithium**: The market is currently experiencing strong supply and demand. However, after the holiday, as the downstream restocking pace slows, there is a risk of price decline. The market is affected by factors such as new production line launches, downstream psychological price expectations, and inventory levels [2][5]. - **Industrial Silicon**: The short - term supply and demand situation is acceptable, but there is uncertainty in the future. The market is influenced by factors like the upcoming dry season in the southwest, production increase expectations in Xinjiang, and the "production - limiting and sales - controlling" plan in the polysilicon industry [6]. - **Polysilicon**: The fundamentals are weak. Despite rumors of production cuts, companies have not yet taken action, leading to inventory accumulation. The market is also affected by policy expectations and downstream demand weakening [8]. Trading Strategies - **Carbonate Lithium**: Upstream companies should seize opportunities to sell and hedge when prices rise, while downstream cathode material enterprises should focus on low - price stockpiling or buying hedges. The support level for the main contract is 68,000 - 70,000 yuan, and the resistance level is 75,000 - 76,000 yuan [5][14]. - **Industrial Silicon**: Adopt an interval trading strategy. The support interval is 8,200 - 8,300 yuan, and the resistance interval is 9,200 - 9,300 yuan. In the face of increased overseas risks and macro - factor disturbances, investors should manage risks and trade with light positions [7][14]. - **Polysilicon**: Consider short - selling on rebounds. The support interval for the main contract is 47,000 - 48,000 yuan, and the resistance interval is 52,000 - 53,000 yuan [8]. Group 2: First Part - Spot Prices 1. Plate Strategy Recommendation - **Carbonate Lithium 11**: The market logic is strong supply and demand with a weakening atmosphere. The support is 68,000 - 70,000 yuan, the pressure is 75,000 - 76,000 yuan, the market is expected to decline in a volatile manner. Upstream companies should sell and hedge when prices rise, and downstream cathode material enterprises should focus on low - price stockpiling or buying hedges [14]. - **Industrial Silicon 11**: Short - term supply and demand are acceptable, but there is high uncertainty in the future. The support is 8,200 - 8,300 yuan, the pressure is 9,200 - 9,300 yuan, and the market is expected to fluctuate within a range. Adopt an interval trading strategy [14]. - **Polysilicon 11**: The weakening trend at the terminal may gradually spread upstream. The support is 47,000 - 48,000 yuan, the pressure is 52,000 - 53,000 yuan, the market is expected to fluctuate widely. Pay attention to short - selling opportunities on rebounds [14]. - **Arbitrage Recommendation**: There are currently no good arbitrage opportunities [14]. 2. Futures and Spot Price Changes - **Carbonate Lithium**: The closing price is 72,280 yuan, with a decline of 0.63%. The trading volume is 282,178, the open interest is 207,463, with a decrease of 14,456 compared to the previous period, and the number of warehouse receipts is 36,718 [15]. - **Industrial Silicon**: The closing price is 8,805 yuan, with an increase of 1.38%. The trading volume is 241,553, the open interest is 165,722, with a decrease of 1,313 compared to the previous period, and the number of warehouse receipts is 50,854 [15]. - **Polysilicon**: The closing price is 48,740 yuan, with a decline of 2.35%. The trading volume is 246,976, the open interest is 87,665, with a decrease of 3,344 compared to the previous period, and the number of warehouse receipts is 7,900 [15]. Group 3: Second Part - Fundamental Situation 1. Carbonate Lithium Fundamental Data (1) Production and Inventory - The report includes figures on monthly production capacity, device operating rate, monthly output, and monthly inventory of carbonate lithium, as well as inventory in smelters and downstream [22][24]. (2) Downstream Situation - Figures on the production capacity, device operating rate of lithium iron phosphate, monthly operating rate of SMM ternary materials, and monthly output of lithium hexafluorophosphate are presented [26][28]. 2. Industrial Silicon Fundamental Data (1) Production and Inventory - Figures on the sample operating rate of main production areas, weekly output of main production areas, weekly inventory of delivery warehouses in various regions, and weekly inventory of sample enterprises in Xinjiang and Sichuan are provided [32][34]. (2) Downstream Situation - Figures on the monthly output of China's organic silicon DMC and the operating rate of aluminum alloy are shown [36]. 3. Polysilicon Fundamental Data (1) Production and Inventory - Figures on the total inventory and monthly output of polysilicon in China are included [40][41]. (2) Downstream Situation - Figures on the monthly output of silicon wafers and the monthly output of photovoltaic - Chinese components are presented [45].

1. Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant information provided. 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - Around the National Day holiday, the downstream demand for lithium batteries is strong. In the short term, the supply of domestic lithium carbonate is less than the demand, and the social inventory is continuously decreasing, which supports the bottom price. However, the planned resumption of production at Jianxiaowo and the resolution of the mining license issue at Zangge Lithium Industry suppress the upside potential due to the expected supply increase. Currently, both long and short funds are cautious. The lithium carbonate futures have been oscillating within a narrow range for three weeks, and the time for the market to choose a direction may be approaching. It is recommended to pay attention to the sustainability of resource - end supply, the realization of strong demand expectations, and the atmosphere in the equity market [12]. 3. Summary by Directory 3.1 Monthly Assessment and Strategy Recommendation - **Prices**: On October 10, the MMLC lithium carbonate spot index reported 73,011 yuan in the morning, down 5.3% from early September, with the average price of MMLC battery - grade lithium carbonate at 73,250 yuan. On the same day, the closing price of LC2511 on the Guangzhou Futures Exchange was 72,740 yuan, down 3.73% from early September [12]. - **Supply**: On October 9, the weekly domestic lithium carbonate production was 20,635 tons, a 0.6% increase from the previous week, reaching a new high. In September 2025, the domestic lithium carbonate production was 87,260 tons, a 2.4% increase from the previous month and a 51.7% increase year - on - year, with a cumulative 41.7% increase in the first nine months. In September 2025, Chile exported 15,900 tons of lithium carbonate, a 13% year - on - year and 6% month - on - month decrease. Among them, 11,100 tons were exported to China, a 14% month - on - month decrease. From January to September 2025, Chile exported a total of 164,700 tons of lithium carbonate, an 8.5% year - on - year decrease, and 120,900 tons were exported to China, a 17% year - on - year decrease. The export volume from South America decreased from September to October, alleviating the domestic import pressure [12]. - **Demand**: According to the Passenger Car Association, from September 1 to 27, the retail sales of new energy passenger vehicles in China reached 1.039 million, a 9% increase compared to the same period in September last year and a 17% increase from the previous month. The new energy retail penetration rate of passenger vehicles was 58.5%. The cumulative retail sales this year reached 8.609 million, a 24% year - on - year increase. The "two new" policies in various regions from September to December 2024 significantly boosted car sales. It is expected that the year - on - year growth rate of domestic cars will slow down due to the high base. The traditional peak season for battery materials from September to October will drive the continued growth of lithium carbonate demand [12]. - **Inventory**: On October 9, the weekly domestic lithium carbonate inventory was reported at 134,801 tons, a decrease of 2,024 tons (1.5%) from the previous week. On the same day, the registered warehouse receipts of lithium carbonate on the Guangzhou Futures Exchange were 42,379 tons [12]. - **Cost**: On October 10, the quoted price of SMM's Australian imported SC6 lithium concentrate was 815 - 840 US dollars per ton, a 0.9% decrease from before the holiday. The supply pressure of high - cost hard - rock mines has started to ease recently. The lithium concentrate previously held back by Western Australian mining companies will be released, and it is expected that subsequent lithium ore imports will increase significantly [12]. 3.2 Futures and Spot Market - **Prices**: On October 10, the MMLC lithium carbonate spot index reported 73,011 yuan in the morning, down 5.3% from early September, with the average price of MMLC battery - grade lithium carbonate at 73,250 yuan. The closing price of LC2511 on the Guangzhou Futures Exchange was 72,740 yuan, down 3.73% from early September [20]. - **Basis and Position**: The average discount in the standard electric carbon trading market on the exchange is about - 200 yuan. The net short position of the main contract of lithium carbonate is about 125,000 lots [23]. - **Price Spreads**: The price spread between battery - grade and industrial - grade lithium carbonate is 2,250 yuan, and the price spread between battery - grade lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide is 70 yuan [27]. 3.3 Supply Side - **Domestic Production**: On October 9, the weekly domestic lithium carbonate production was 20,635 tons, a 0.6% increase from the previous week, reaching a new high. In September 2025, the domestic lithium carbonate production was 87,260 tons, a 2.4% increase from the previous month, a 51.7% increase year - on - year, and a cumulative 41.7% increase in the first nine months [32]. - **Production by Raw Material**: In September, the production of lithium carbonate from lithium spodumene was 55,950 tons, a 4.9% increase from the previous month and a 98.8% increase year - on - year, with a cumulative 74.7% increase in the first nine months; the production from lithium mica was 11,580 tons, a 15.5% decrease from the previous month, with a cumulative 16.0% increase in the first nine months; the production from salt lakes decreased by 9.5% to 11,960 tons, with a cumulative 9.1% increase in the first nine months. Some salt lakes reduced or stopped production, and the production of lithium carbonate from salt lakes decreased year - on - year during the peak season. Subsequently, Zangge Lithium Industry will resume production, and a new project of Salt Lake Co., Ltd. will be put into operation, so the reduction during the traditional off - season will be limited; the production from the recycling end was 7,770 tons, a 6.6% increase from the previous month, with a cumulative 22.9% increase in the first nine months [35][38]. - **Imports**: In August 2025, China imported 21,845 tons of lithium carbonate, a 57.8% increase from the previous month and a 23.5% increase year - on - year. Among them, 15,608 tons were imported from Chile and 4,253 tons from Argentina. From January to July, the total import volume of lithium carbonate in China was about 153,000 tons, a 3.5% increase year - on - year. In August 2025, Chile exported 16,903 tons of lithium carbonate, a 19.2% decrease from the previous month. Among them, 12,982 tons were exported to China, a 4.8% decrease from the previous month and a 6.9% increase year - on - year. It is expected that the domestic imports in September will decrease month - on - month [41]. 3.4 Demand Side - **Consumption Structure**: The battery sector dominates lithium demand. In 2024, it accounted for 87% of global consumption. The main growth point of future lithium salt consumption still depends on the growth of the lithium - battery industry, while the traditional application areas have limited and weak growth. The proportion of lithium used in ceramic glass, lubricants, flux powders, air - conditioning, and medicine is only 5% [45]. - **New Energy Vehicle Sales**: In August 2025, global new energy vehicle sales were about 1.7 million, with a cumulative 23.7% increase from January to August year - on - year. From September 1 to 27, the retail sales of new energy passenger vehicles in China reached 1.039 million, a 9% increase compared to the same period in September last year and a 17% increase from the previous month, with a new energy retail penetration rate of 58.5%. The cumulative retail sales this year reached 8.609 million, a 24% year - on - year increase. From January to August, the total sales of new energy vehicles in Europe were 2.324 million, a 26.7% increase year - on - year, and in the United States were 1.063 million, an 8.1% increase year - on - year [48][51]. - **Battery Production**: In August, the total production of power and other batteries in China was 139.6 GWh, a 4.4% increase from the previous month and a 37.3% increase year - on - year. From January to August, the cumulative production was 970.7 GWh, a 54.3% increase year - on - year. From January to August, the cumulative production of domestic lithium iron phosphate increased by 46.2% year - on - year, and the production of domestic ternary materials increased by 13.1% year - on - year. The traditional peak season for battery materials from September to October will drive the continued growth of lithium carbonate demand [53][56]. 3.5 Inventory - **Lithium Carbonate Inventory**: On October 9, the weekly domestic lithium carbonate inventory was reported at 134,801 tons, a decrease of 2,024 tons (1.5%) from the previous week. The registered warehouse receipts of lithium carbonate on the Guangzhou Futures Exchange were 42,379 tons [63]. - **Other Inventory Indicators**: The inventory cycle of cathode materials is about one week. The sales - to - inventory ratio of power batteries is at a recent median, and the inventory of energy - storage batteries is at a recent low due to export rush [66]. 3.6 Cost Side - **Lithium Concentrate Price**: On October 10, the quoted price of SMM's Australian imported SC6 lithium concentrate was 815 - 840 US dollars per ton, a 0.9% decrease from before the holiday [73]. - **Lithium Concentrate Imports**: In August, domestic lithium concentrate imports were 471,000 tons, a 4.0% decrease year - on - year and an 18.3% decrease from the previous month. From January to August, domestic lithium concentrate imports were 3.85 million tons, the same as the previous year. In August, the lithium concentrate from Australia decreased by 50% month - on - month, and that from Africa increased by 82.2% month - on - month. From January to August, the import of lithium concentrate from Australia increased by 3.4% year - on - year, and that from Africa decreased by 8.8% year - on - year (a 13.7% decrease in the first seven months). The supply pressure of high - cost hard - rock mines has started to ease recently. The lithium concentrate previously held back by Western Australian mining companies will be released, and it is expected that subsequent lithium ore imports will increase significantly [76].