China's lithium carbonate production stood at 48,500 tonnes in April, a monthly increase of 9%, per Mysteel survey of sampled smelters.
Source: Mysteel
From a region-rise perspective, several top-tier smelters in Jiangxi Province ramped up the production after the influence of environmental protection inspection faded. However, the growth was partly offset by some large-sized smelters in Qinghai Province carrying out maintenance.
The production based on battery scrap was low for lack of raw materials, while the tollers operated at full capacity.
Taken together, China's lithium carbonated production staged a monthly increase of 9% in April.
Looking ahead, it is expected that China's lithium carbonate production will jump 13.5% month on month at 55,100 tonnes in May primary due to rising production in Qinghai Province amidst warming whether, as well as production ramp-up after resuming from the previous maintenance.
China's lithium hydroxide production stood at around 23,200 tonnes in April, rising 7.3% MoM, per Mysteel survey of the sampled smelters. The momentum was allowed by moderate downstream demand, especially when some downstream players were in lack of raw materials.
It is expected that China's lithium hydroxide production will drop 4.5% MoM at 22,100 tonnes in May, primarily due to falling orders from NMC battery cell manufacturers, especially 6 and 8-series.
Written by Aggie Hu, huchenying@mysteel.com