Core Viewpoint - The lithium carbonate market is experiencing a new upward trend driven by demand, contrasting with previous price increases that were primarily supply-driven [2][10]. Industry Monitoring - As of November 17, the domestic industrial-grade lithium carbonate price is between 86,000 to 88,000 yuan/ton, with an average price of 87,000 yuan/ton, up 2.35% from the previous working day [6]. - The battery-grade lithium carbonate price ranges from 88,000 to 91,000 yuan/ton, with an average of 89,500 yuan/ton, reflecting a 2.87% increase [6]. - The SMM battery-grade lithium carbonate index is at 85,010 yuan/ton, with a week-on-week increase of 538 yuan/ton [8]. Supply Side - Lithium carbonate production increased by 385 tons to 23,850 tons last week, with October production up 10% to 105,040 tons [10]. - The supply is affected by the suspension of operations at the Ningde Jiangxia Mine for three months and regulatory reviews in Yichun and Qinghai regions [10]. - The Australian lithium mines have limited further cost reduction potential, with major Australian mines reducing capital expenditures for the 2025 fiscal year [10]. Demand Side - The demand for lithium carbonate shows unexpected resilience, driven by strong growth in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, with October battery installation reaching 84.1 GWh, a 10.7% month-on-month increase and a 42.1% year-on-year increase [12]. - In October, the production of new energy vehicles reached 1.772 million units, a month-on-month increase of 9.59%, with sales of 1.715 million units, up 6.12% [12]. - The energy storage sector is also experiencing robust demand, with significant increases in orders for related companies [13]. Inventory and Profitability - Since August, the lithium carbonate market has seen 13 consecutive weeks of inventory reduction, with current social inventory down to 120,000 tons [13]. - The average price of lithium concentrate is around 1,000+ USD/ton, with profits from external mining operations estimated at around 2,000 yuan [15]. Market Perspectives - The current market is characterized by a dynamic balance, with short-term support from seasonal demand and rising costs in the Jiangxi region due to stricter environmental regulations [17]. - The market is expected to maintain a strong upward trend, but there are concerns about the potential for inventory accumulation and reduced purchasing willingness from end-users [17]. - The energy storage sector is anticipated to be a key driver of future demand growth for lithium carbonate, with optimistic long-term price forecasts [18].