2月19日，凯里，身穿防护服的汤忠诚在贵州亚芯微电子有限公司键合车间巡视，入职才半年多的他熟 练地在10台设备中操作着，说起为何年初三就愿意回来上班，他憨厚地笑了，"订单太多了，不加班赶 不上进度。春节加班收入高，上完班一样可以和家人聚会。" 贵州亚芯微电子有限公司是位于黔东南高新技术产业开发区一家主要从事集成电路、电子元器件封装和 测试的高科技企业。负责生产和销售的副总经理邓造丽介绍，亚新微电子自2017年4月建立，在半导体 行业内逐步摸索到一套符合市场需要的产品供应和服务体系，销售额从2024年的3000万元左右上升到 2025年的1亿元。2026年的订单都已排到4月份以后，还有很多大客户在排队。 "这是我们新引进投产的36KK生产线，加上原有的设备，我们的生产能力已经达到了月封装700KK颗电 子元器件，从目前市场风向判断，今年肯定满负荷运行，销售额比2025年增加50%也是可以预判的"。 邓造丽对今年信心满满。 转自：贵州日报 贵州日报天眼新闻记者 周灿璧 贵州微纳新能源有限公司与亚芯微电子一样也在风口之上拔节生长。 2月20日，微纳集团的创始人之一张天祥从江西赶回凯里，"新厂区正在建设，要想赶在3月 ...

TORONTO, Feb. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Electra Battery Materials Corporation (NASDAQ: ELBM; TSX-V: ELBM) (“Electra” or the “Company”) has announced that it has upsized its previously announced At the Market Offering Program (the “ATM”), pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell, at its discretion and from time to time, through H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC (“Wainwright”), common shares in the capital of the Company (the “Common Shares”) having an aggregate offering price of up to US$25,000,000. The ...

Economic Overview - Global GDP growth is projected at 2.7–2.8% for 2026, below pre-COVID averages, with advanced economies growing modestly and Asia-Pacific, particularly India, showing resilience with a growth rate of approximately 6.6% [1] - The IMF forecasts advanced economies to grow around 1.8%, while emerging markets and developing economies are expected to exceed 4% growth in 2026, indicating a widening economic gap [2] Market Polarization - Equity markets are experiencing polarization, driven by significant capital flows into megatrends such as AI investment, clean energy, and healthcare [3] - Artificial intelligence investment is identified as the primary driver of market polarization in 2026, with major technology companies significantly increasing capital expenditures [4] AI Investment - Major technology firms, including Amazon, Alphabet, Microsoft, and Meta, are projected to spend approximately $650 billion on AI-related infrastructure in 2026, marking a 67% increase from 2025 [5] - Semiconductor foundries are expanding, with Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM) raising its 2026 capex target to $52-$56 billion, reflecting strong demand for AI [7] Sector Analysis AI & Technology Infrastructure - Companies involved in AI infrastructure, such as NVIDIA (NVDA) and Vertiv Holdings (VRT), are positioned to benefit from the AI capital-expenditure cycle, with NVDA expected to report earnings growth of 57.7% in fiscal 2027 and VRT projected to grow earnings by 46.9% in 2026 [9] Renewable Energy & Battery Materials - The energy transition is accelerating, with Albemarle (ALB) expected to benefit from rising lithium demand linked to electric vehicles and stationary storage, projecting an earnings growth of 855.7% in 2026 [10] Healthcare & Biotech - The healthcare sector is supported by demographic trends and technological innovations, with Axsome Therapeutics (AXSM) expected to achieve 109% earnings growth in 2026, driven by advancements in AI-assisted drug discovery [11]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Department of Commerce has determined that tariffs of at least 160% will be applied to anode active materials imported from China, pending a final determination by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) expected in March 2026 [1] Group 1: Tariff Details - An antidumping duty of 93.5% will be imposed on AAM imports from specified companies, while a duty of 102.72% will be applied to all other exporters from China [9] - A countervailing duty ranging from 66.82% to 66.86% will also be imposed on all AAM imports from Chinese producers [9] - The previously imposed tariffs of 25% and 20% under different acts remain in effect, with the legal validity of the IEEPA tariffs currently under review by the U.S. Supreme Court [3] Group 2: Impact on NOVONIX - The CEO of NOVONIX stated that these determinations are a significant step towards restoring fair competition in the U.S. anode materials market, enhancing the company's competitive position as it scales synthetic graphite production in North America [2] - The duties will apply broadly to anode-graphite materials, including both synthetic and natural graphite products used in lithium-ion battery applications [2] - NOVONIX is strategically positioned to support customers seeking secure, domestically produced anode materials, reinforcing supply chain resilience and U.S. energy security [5] Group 3: Company Strategy and Goals - NOVONIX aims to reduce supply chain risk and support U.S. energy independence by establishing a resilient battery materials supply chain [7] - The company is focused on expanding high-performance synthetic graphite production in the U.S., which is expected to encourage long-term capital investment in advanced manufacturing [4][5] - The company is building a North American platform for critical battery materials, anchored by its operations in Chattanooga, Tennessee [7]

Core Viewpoint - Electra Battery Materials Corporation announces the resignation of CFO Marty Rendall, effective end of February 2026, to pursue another executive opportunity, with David Allen returning as Interim CFO to ensure leadership continuity during a critical construction phase [1][2][3]. Company Leadership Changes - CFO Marty Rendall will resign at the end of February 2026 to take on a new role in a larger organization, but will assist in the transition until then [1]. - David Allen, who previously served as CFO from 2023 to late 2024, will return as Interim CFO effective February 28, 2026 [2]. Contributions and Transition - Marty Rendall is credited with strengthening the company's balance sheet, completing essential capital raises, and advancing the refinery construction strategy, leaving the company in a stronger position [3]. - The return of David Allen as Interim CFO is expected to provide stability and continuity as the company progresses with the construction of North America's first cobalt sulfate refinery [3]. Company Focus and Strategy - Electra Battery Materials is focused on constructing North America's only cobalt sulfate refinery, aiming to enhance the domestic supply chain for critical minerals and reduce reliance on foreign sources [4]. - The company also holds significant land in Idaho's Cobalt Belt, positioning itself as a key player in North American cobalt and copper production [4]. - Electra is exploring black mass recycling to recover critical materials from end-of-life batteries and is evaluating growth opportunities in nickel refining and other battery materials [5].

Core Viewpoint - Euro Manganese Inc. has confirmed that its management is unaware of any material changes in operations that would explain the recent increase in market activity, as requested by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization [1]. Company Overview - Euro Manganese Inc. is a battery materials company focused on developing the Chvaletice Manganese Project in the Czech Republic, which is recognized as Europe's only near-term source of high-purity manganese, essential for electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, and defense applications [3]. - The Chvaletice Manganese Project aims to reprocess historic mine tailings to produce high-purity electrolytic manganese metal (HPEMM) and high-purity manganese sulfate monohydrate (HPMSM), establishing a low-carbon supply chain within the European Union [4]. Production and Market Position - The company has successfully produced on-spec products at its Demonstration Plant, with ongoing optimization efforts to enhance the efficiency of its commercial plant, positioning Euro Manganese to become Europe's first domestic producer of high-purity manganese [5]. - The company is addressing the rising demand for sustainable battery materials while contributing to Europe's clean-energy and supply-chain independence goals [5].

Summary of Conference Call on China Battery Materials Industry Overview - The focus of the conference call is on the lithium battery materials industry in China, particularly the demand and supply dynamics of lithium as of January 2026. Key Points Demand and Supply Dynamics - Strong on-the-ground demand for lithium has been observed, with weekly apparent consumption increasing for three consecutive weeks, indicating a robust value chain activity ahead of the Chinese New Year (CNY) seasonality [1] - Some smelters are beginning maintenance offline, leading to a 2% week-over-week (WoW) decrease in weekly production [1] - Anticipation of a front-loading export window before the export tax rebate cut on April 1st, which may pull forward some demand from the traditional peak season (March and April) into the first quarter of 2026 [1] Price Trends - Lithium prices are expected to remain at a high level in the near term, with the lower band of prices likely to be lifted due to favorable supply and demand dynamics [1] - The average selling prices (ASP) for lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) and lithium hydroxide (LiOH) have shown an upward trajectory, with Li2CO3 priced at Rmb164.5k/ton and LiOH at Rmb156.5k/ton as of January 22, 2026, compared to Rmb159k/ton and Rmb150.5k/ton on January 15, 2026 [2] Production and Inventory Insights - China's Li2CO3 production decreased by 2% WoW to 22,217 tons, with specific outputs from brine, lepidolite, spodumene, and recycling also showing declines of 1%, 2%, 1%, and 4% respectively [2] - Total inventory of Li2CO3 stood at 108,896 tons, reflecting a 1% decrease WoW. Notably, inventory levels for downstream players (mainly cathode makers) increased by 5%, while smelters saw a 1% increase, and battery makers and traders experienced a 5% decrease in inventory [2] Additional Insights - The report emphasizes the importance of monitoring the lithium market closely due to the potential impacts of seasonal demand and regulatory changes on pricing and supply dynamics [1][2] - The data presented is sourced from SMM and Citi Research, indicating a reliance on reputable industry databases for accurate market analysis [1][2] This summary encapsulates the critical insights from the conference call regarding the lithium battery materials industry, highlighting demand trends, pricing movements, and production statistics.

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the announcement by Huasheng Lithium Battery regarding its plan to issue H-shares and list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, aimed at enhancing its international presence and financing capabilities. Group 1: Company Overview - Huasheng Lithium Battery has been a key supplier in the electrolyte additive sector since 2003, serving major companies like Mitsubishi Chemical, BYD, and Tianqi Materials, with a market presence in Asia, Europe, and America [1]. - The company operates four production bases, including Zhangjiagang Phase I, II, III, and its wholly-owned subsidiary Taixing Huasheng, with an annual production capacity of 14,000 tons for VC and FEC products following the completion of its third-phase project [1]. Group 2: Product Development - In addition to its traditional business, Huasheng Lithium Battery is proactively investing in new battery materials, including solid-state batteries, and has completed laboratory trials for various materials suitable for solid and semi-solid batteries [1]. - The company has established a pilot production line for lithium sulfide with an annual capacity of 2 tons, primarily to support technical validation for downstream electrolyte and battery enterprises, although it has not yet achieved commercialization or sales revenue [1].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the launch of a solid-state battery cathode material production line by Yili Technology, marking a significant investment in the development of advanced battery materials in China [2][3]. Group 1: Project Overview - Yili Technology, a subsidiary of Tianhua New Energy, has initiated the construction of a solid-state battery cathode material production line with a total planned investment of 1.12 billion yuan [3]. - The facility will cover an area of 19,000 square meters and aims to produce 5,200 tons of high-nickel ternary cathode materials annually, with completion and production expected by the end of 2026 [3]. - A pilot production line with a capacity of 200 tons per year has already been established and is currently in trial operation [3]. Group 2: Strategic Partnerships - During the launch event, Yili Technology signed strategic cooperation agreements with several companies, including Weilan New Energy, Guxin New Energy, Heyuan Lithium Innovation, and Jingjiu New Energy, to collaborate on solid-state battery cathode materials [4]. Group 3: Company Background - Yili Technology was established in April 2022 and focuses on the research and development of solid-state battery cathode materials, leveraging technology from the Institute of Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Tianmuhu Energy Storage Technology Research Institute [5]. - The company has developed several mass-production level products, including medium-nickel high-voltage ternary cathodes and high-nickel high-voltage ternary cathodes, catering to various battery systems from liquid to solid-state [5].

Core Insights - Cabot Corporation (CBT) has signed a multi-year supply agreement with PowerCo SE, a leading European OEM in the electric vehicle (EV) battery sector, marking a strategic expansion into the battery materials market [2] - The agreement involves supplying advanced conductive carbons and dispersions for EV battery electrodes, enhancing battery conductivity, energy density, charging speed, and lifespan [3] - This partnership positions Cabot as a key supplier in Europe's EV battery market, reflecting the strength of its technology and production scalability to meet global demand [4] Company Developments - Cabot's conductive formulations are part of a broader portfolio aimed at optimizing battery performance across various applications, including electric vehicles and energy storage systems [5] - The agreement is expected to significantly contribute to Cabot's long-term growth in battery materials and reinforce its role in the global EV value chain, highlighting the company's commitment to clean energy [5] - CBT's shares have declined by 20.1% over the past year, slightly underperforming the industry average decline of 19.9% [6] Market Position - Cabot is positioned as a leading supplier of conductive materials to the EV battery market, supporting the growth of battery materials and addressing the evolving demands of the electric vehicle sector [4][9] - The partnership with PowerCo SE underscores Cabot's innovative solutions and its strategic importance in the transition towards clean energy [5]