LITHIUM SNAPSHOT: Thin trade keeps market stable with China out

Key drivers
– United States and Europe prices stable at recent lower levels amid thin trade, with consumer needs covered by long-term contracts.
– The Chinese domestic and cif China, Japan and Korea markets rolled over with markets largely closed for Lunar New Year holidays.
– Market sources await direction once Chinese market participants return, though some sources expressed concern that the recent weakness in China, stemming from the need to secure cash, could filter through to Europe and the US.

Key quote
“Carbonate seems like it might be struggling a bit. It feels bearish but [until the Chinese come back] there’s nothing concrete to prove it” – a buyer

All lithium carbonate, hydroxide and spodumene prices are available in our Battery Raw Materials Market Tracker. Get a sample of the report here.