After three years of prices trending downward, the seaborne Asia lithium carbonate price and the ex-works China lithium carbonate price jumped 91% and 162%, respectively, in the first nine months of 2021, as unexpected demand increases combined with a slow expansion in supply.
“Active lithium mergers and acquisitions and unprecedented financing for junior and intermediate explorers in 2021 are likely to improve medium-term supply; however, demand-supply mismatches could persist in 2022 if unexpected demand increases continue,” S&P says.
Benchmark Mineral Intelligence says the real shortage hasn’t even hit yet.
Benchmark Lithium prices – Battery Grade, EXW China @benchmarkmin
Nov 2018 $11,875
Nov 2019 $7,950
Nov 2020 $6,100
Today $30,025
Structural shortage is set to hit in 2022.
Lithium carbonate prices are at all time highs but easy to see them soar above $40k in 2022 — Simon Moores November 7, 2021
AVZ Price at posting:
54.8¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held