According to Mysteel's preliminary survey under the new sample methodology, China's ternary precursor output reached 104,100 tonnes in August 2026, up 2.46% month-on-month (MoM) and 36.56% year-on-year (YoY).
The MoM increase in August output was primarily driven by export order growth spurred by overseas battery cell manufacturers' Q3 stocking activities, while capacity utilization rates among leading producers remained high. In addition, the gradual recovery of production schedules at downstream cathode material plants provided a marginal boost.
Entering September, however, the growth pace has slowed notably. On one hand, domestic power battery demand has fallen short of expectations, with September ternary cathode material production schedules projected to decline by approximately 1.74% MoM, prompting some integrated producers to adjust their output accordingly. On the other hand, the industry's persistent loss-making situation has left producers with limited incentive to ramp up production. Taken together, export resilience supported the August output rebound, but weak domestic demand and cost pressures are likely to constrain further output growth in September.
In September 2026, China's ternary precursor output is estimated to reach 104,200 tonnes, up 0.1% MoM and 19.43% YoY.
Edited by Cassie Li, lixiangying@mysteel.com
