FX.co ★ Lithium Slides to 10-Month Low

Lithium carbonate prices in China fell to CNY 100,000 per tonne in October, their lowest level in nearly ten months, as mounting concerns over weakening demand coincided with abundant supply. Beginning next year, the EU will cap imports of Chinese hybrid electric vehicles at 350,000 units annually. According to the European Commission, this measure is expected to cut China’s market share in the bloc by half, dampening orders from regional battery manufacturers after recent data revealed higher-than-expected lithium inventories. Industry group SMM also revised its methodology for calculating inventory levels, resulting in a reported increase of 175,000 tonnes in Chinese stockpiles—double earlier estimates. At the same time, the supply outlook strengthened for Australian producers, with Mineral Resources restarting operations at the Bald Hill lithium mine after an 18‑month suspension and Core Lithium resuming production at its Finniss project.