Lithium Prices Break 200,000 Yuan This Week as Supply Delays Extend to July

According to a Dadi Futures research report released on May 9, lithium prices surged past 200,000 yuan this week, driven by ongoing supply disruptions. Zimbabwe has approved lithium exports, but administrative delays have prevented bulk shipments, with refined lithium ore now expected to arrive at smelters only by mid-July. This creates a significant supply gap in May and June, as weekly spodumene production declines sharply and Zimbabwe’s lithium sulfate shipments remain minimal. On the demand side, electric vehicle sales are recovering following automakers’ new model launches in late April, while energy storage continues to expand, sustaining high battery and cathode material production growth in May.