According to a survey by Mysteel, China's lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) production reached 7,270 tonnes in August 2026, down 2.81% month-on-month and 35.26% year-on-year. Tight feedstock supply constrained the scope for output increases. Although downstream battery cell manufacturers had just-in-time demand, large-scale restocking had not yet commenced, with most deliveries being fulfilled under long-term agreements. The market maintained a wait-and-see sentiment, and production is unlikely to gain clear momentum for significant growth in the near term.
For September 2026, LCO production is forecast at 7,070 tonnes, down 2.75% month-on-month and 41.23% year-on-year.
Edited by Cassie Li, lixiangying@mysteel.com
