China’s battery-grade lithium carbonate spot price fell 3,400 yuan per metric ton on Oct. 14 to an average of 108,250 yuan, with quoted prices ranging from 104,400 to 112,100 yuan. The low-end industrial-grade quote also dropped 3,400 yuan to 101,400 yuan per ton.
Trading was subdued as sellers showed limited interest in spot transactions and buyers held back. Independent market coverage placed the average battery-grade price at 107,000 yuan per ton and linked the weakness to ample upstream supply and elevated warehouse receipts, while downstream buyers pressed for lower prices.
The most-traded lithium carbonate futures contract, LC2701, fell after opening higher and accelerated its decline in the afternoon.
The market’s immediate direction remains bearish, but the physical market has opposing support. Continued reductions in social inventories and tight availability of spot material are limiting the downside in physical trading even as weak demand, cautious purchasing and ample upstream supply weigh on prices. The futures contract’s approach to the 100,000-yuan threshold leaves that level as the next closely watched price marker.