In the week leading up to the 2025 Chinese New Year, trading activity in the lithium salt market slightly decreased. Due to reduced logistics capacity before the holiday, downstream and battery companies gradually lowered their stocking enthusiasm, and most raw material inventories are expected to last until around the Lantern Festival (February 12, 2025).
During the holiday, lithium salt prices remained relatively stable, influenced by the steady supply of upstream raw materials. Although some lithium salt manufacturers conducted maintenance, downstream battery plants continued normal operations, keeping supply and demand in balance.
In addition, the U.S. government recently announced a 25% import tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, with a 10% tariff on Canadian energy products. A 10% tariff was imposed on China. However, President Donald Trump signed an executive order postponing the tariffs on Mexico and Canada until March 4. The tariffs on China are expected to directly impact the export of lithium salt-based end-use products, particularly energy storage battery cells. As tariffs increase, the rush for exports of these battery cells is expected to weaken gradually.
According to Mysteel's research, lithium salt prices are expected to remain stable in the short term. As the Chinese New Year holiday ends, demand for lithium salts will gradually recover, and supply will return to normal levels.
Written by Cora Ji, jiruyan@mysteel.com
