What will happen to lithium carbonate next? Goldman Sachs: Prices may fluctuate within a range until the supply-demand relationship tightens by mid-next year
Goldman Sachs' research found that China's lithium chemical inventory continues to decline at a rate of about 4,000 tons per week. The resumption of production at CATL's Yichun lithium mine is slower than expected, further exacerbating market concerns about short-term supply. Despite a positive demand outlook and ongoing inventory declines, if prices rise, African supply is expected to increase further. Prices are likely to remain in a range-bound fluctuation until mid-2026, as the market tightens due to limited domestic supply in China and strong demand, with an expected average price of lithium carbonate at $8,900 per ton in 2026