EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
InfoLink Consulting’s latest assessment showed battery-grade lithium carbonate averaging RMB 150,000/MT and spodumene SC6 reaching USD 2,130/MT. China’s 280 Ah and 314 Ah LFP storage cell prices increased slightly, while 100 Ah cells and electrochemical ESS prices remained broadly stable.
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China’s battery energy storage supply chain recorded mixed price movements in the latest weekly assessment from InfoLink Consulting. Battery-grade lithium carbonate traded between RMB 147,000 and RMB 152,000/MT, averaging RMB 150,000/MT, up 0.3% week over week. Spodumene concentrate SC6 on a CIF basis ranged from USD 2,060 to USD 2,200/MT, with the average increasing 1.4% to USD 2,130/MT.
Lithium salt prices remained volatile at elevated levels. Tight spot availability, a firmer basis and downstream procurement continued to support prices. Buyers were completing some transactions around RMB 150,000/MT but showed limited willingness to accept further increases. The market therefore remained influenced primarily by near-term supply-demand conditions rather than a broad expansion in demand.
Supply developments at the Jianxiawo lithium mine remained a key market factor. Its environmental impact assessment process saw another procedural development on August 26 after the proposed-acceptance notice was withdrawn following public concerns about an earlier disclosure. A new disclosure is expected once relevant requirements have been reviewed. The development reinforced expectations that near-term supply releases could be delayed.
China’s LFP energy storage cell market showed comparatively limited movement. The average 100 Ah cell price remained unchanged at RMB 0.440/Wh. Average prices for 280 Ah and 314 Ah cells reached RMB 0.363/Wh, both rising 0.7% week over week. Higher lithium carbonate prices and firm non-ferrous metal costs provided support to cell production costs.
Utility-scale storage demand also continued to support order visibility for mainstream 280 Ah and 314 Ah specifications. However, available manufacturing capacity and customer bargaining power limited the potential for substantial cell price increases.
At the system level, electrochemical ESS transaction prices remained stable. DC-side 2-hour systems averaged RMB 0.49/Wh, while AC-side 1-hour, 2-hour and 4-hour systems averaged RMB 0.84/Wh, RMB 0.58/Wh and RMB 0.53/Wh, respectively. System prices have not yet followed the slight recovery in cell pricing, reflecting the broader mix of PCS, transformers, BMS, EMS, thermal management, fire protection and grid-connection costs incorporated into system quotations.