Lithium: The downstream players made inquiries for lithium ore, but the bids were at least Yuan 50/mtu below the traders' quotations, leading to poor transactions. The traders refused to lower the prices, slowing the shipment. It is likely that the lithium ore prices will remain stable in the near term. For lithium carbonate, the spot prices edged down, and the market transactions were muted still. It is estimated that the lithium carbonate prices will keep rangebound in the short period.
Nickel: The demand for nickel sulfate spots was lackluster at the current stage, and the downstream consumers were wait-and-see. The nickel sulfate producers lowered the prices amidst falling nickel prices and the failing expectation of the traditional seasonal high in September. But the firm intermediates prices will offer certain support to nickel sulfate prices.
Cobalt: The cobalt chemicals market fundamentals were little changed, and the market players were generally wait-and-see post the Mid-Autumn Festival. In addition, the inquiries from the precursor companies were below Yuan 27,500/t, and the market response was quiet. For cobalt chloride, the supply was flat, but the spot transactions were lackluster. It is projected that the cobalt chloride prices will hover around Yuan 35,500/t.
Battery scrap: The lithium-ion battery scrap prices were stable yesterday, and the consumers purchased on rigid demand. The payables and LFP prices were both stable. The hydrometallurgical plants were cautious and watched the price changes.
Repurposing: The quotations on the repurposing market were little changed yesterday, but the market stalled. And the downstream players rarely stockpiled amid slow downstream consumption. But the demand for battery cells with certain specification was moderate.