Investment Rating - The report maintains a cautious view on lithium in the near term due to the ongoing downtrend in lithium prices and inventory buildup [1]. Core Insights - Lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide average selling prices (ASP) decreased by 4% and 2% week-over-week (WoW) respectively as of May 8, 2025 [2]. - Lithium production in China is projected to increase by 2% month-over-month (MoM) and 21% year-over-year (YoY) to approximately 75,500 tons in May 2025, which is lower than the growth rates of downstream cathode and battery production [1][2]. - The total inventory of lithium carbonate is around 130,000 tons, contributing to downward pressure on ASP due to increased imports from low-cost brine regions [1]. Summary by Sections Lithium Prices - As of May 8, 2025, the ASP for lithium carbonate is quoted at Rmb62,300 per ton and for lithium hydroxide at Rmb66,500 per ton, down from Rmb68,000 and Rmb67,600 respectively on April 30, 2025 [2]. Production Data - China's lithium carbonate production increased by 27% WoW to 18,349 tons last week, with significant contributions from brine, lepidolite, spodumene, and recycling processes [2]. - The production output variations are attributed to the differing day counts during the Labor Holiday, affecting the weekly production figures [2]. Inventory Levels - The total inventory of lithium carbonate stands at 131,569 tons, with downstream players' inventory decreasing by 7%, while smelters' inventory increased by 7% [2].