China’s EV Battery Metal Prices Stabilize as Lithium Hits Parity

The latest data from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence (BMI) reveals a convergence in the pricing of high-purity lithium products within the Chinese domestic market. Both Lithium Carbonate (>=99.2% Li2CO3) and Lithium Hydroxide (>=56.5% LiOH) are currently trading at $22,325 per metric ton on an ex-works (EXW) basis. This alignment suggests a stabilization in the region’s chemical processing sector, which remains the global epicenter for battery material supply.

Key Commodity Benchmarks

Beyond the lithium complex, the report provides essential data for other battery precursors essential for cathode and anode production. According to the BMI assessment, Cobalt Sulphate prices have reached $13,968 per metric ton, while Nickel Sulphate is currently valued at $4,723. These figures serve as a vital benchmark for global automakers and battery manufacturers navigating the cost structures of the Chinese supply chain.

The assessment also tracks Flake Graphite, which is priced at $413 per metric ton on a free-on-board (FOB) basis. To ensure accuracy across different market dynamics, BMI updates these benchmarks on staggered schedules:

• Lithium and Cobalt Sulphate prices are updated weekly.
• Nickel Sulphate data is refreshed every two weeks.
• Flake Graphite prices are revised on a monthly basis.