The lithium carbonate market experienced a volatile downward trend last week, with spot transaction volumes significantly expanding. The decline was primarily driven by faster-than-expected progress on the Jianxiawo project restart, coupled with rising expectations of a supply surge in the second half of the year. These supply-side pressures were compounded by a pullback in the broader non-ferrous metals sector and divergent views on demand fundamentals, creating a tug-of-war between bulls and bears that pushed the lithium prices lower. The market is currently revising its second-half outlook as supply-demand uncertainties continue to mount.
