Fastmarkets NewGen Industrial Minerals short-term forecasts

Understand the short-term dynamics in the lithium market

The industrial minerals markets, notably the lithium market, are moving fast and present supply and price risks to market participants and investors. Although existing supply is likely to support near-term electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage system (ESS) demand, the combination of elevated prices and the greater use of indexation introduces significant price risk. This places a premium on gaining clarity on price dynamics, changes in volumes from existing projects and any new supply from new projects.

Whether the priority is to optimize buying and selling strategies, understand the best contract structures or mitigate risks, the Fastmarkets NewGen Industrial Minerals Short-Term Forecasts give market participants the ability to translate clarity to financial performance.


The Fastmarkets NewGen Industrial Minerals short-term forecasts include:

  • 2-year price forecasts for lithium carbonate and hydroxide domestic China and seaborne Asian prices 
  • Market dynamics and sentiment for a booming EV market, including regional developments and EV take-up by region 
  • In-depth analysis of pricing mechanisms including spot, contract, or formula-based spodumene prices 
  • Average monthly spot price allowing the calculation of the value of contracts using the Fastmarkets lithium benchmarks over their term
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We also offer short-term forecasts for minor metals, click here to find out more
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    We recognize the importance of being clear about our price assessment and index process. Our independently audited pricing process aligns with core IOSCO principles. Read more about the industrial minerals short-term forecast methodology and price specifications here.

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    Read some of the latest market coverage from our team of price reporters, researchers and editorial team from across the globe

    Reducing reliance on China’s hugely successful critical minerals supply chain dominance was never going to be easy, as some western mining companies are finding out the hard way.

    This adjustment aims to better align the publication with the operational hours of the Chinese market, ensuring domestic market participants have timely access to the prices. Additionally, because the Chinese lithium assessments reflect activity within the local market, this amendment is intended to provide a more efficient and market-relevant pricing for subscribers. The new specifications […]

    On September 25, the discontinuation was postponed from the originally scheduled final publication to take into account the needs of market participants that still had physical contracts linked to the lithium contract assessments in place. The affected prices are:• MB-LI-0031Lithium hydroxide monohydrate LiOH.H2O 56.5% LiOH min, battery grade, contract price cif China, Japan & Korea• MB-LI-0027Lithium carbonate 99.5% Li2CO3 min, battery […]

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