Lithium markets showed signs of stabilization on Monday as prices in China recovered from recent declines, sparking premarket gains for leading battery-metal producers. The commodity, essential for electric-vehicle and energy-storage batteries, has experienced significant volatility, directly impacting miner profitability and battery manufacturing costs.
Price Action in China
Data from MacroMicro indicated lithium carbonate futures rose to 137,000 yuan per tonne, an increase of 4,080 yuan. Spot prices held steady at approximately 136,000 yuan per tonne, according to SunSirs, after falling from 147,000 yuan earlier in the month. A separate benchmark tracked by Trading Economics settled at 135,500 yuan, up 0.74% for the session.
Premarket Stock Movement
In U.S. premarket activity, shares of key lithium companies advanced. Albemarle led the group with a gain of about 4.5%, while Lithium Americas surged nearly 5.8%. Chilean producer Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM) saw its U.S.-listed shares rise around 0.8%. The Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF climbed approximately 4.5%.
Earnings in Focus
Investor attention is turning to forthcoming financial results from major producers. Albemarle is scheduled to report its fourth-quarter 2025 earnings on February 11. SQM has set its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 report for February 27. Analysts will scrutinize these updates for insights into realized selling prices, 2026 contract negotiations, and any revisions to production or cost guidance.
Market sentiment remains delicate. While the energy storage sector has been cited by analysts as a potential long-term demand driver, high lithium prices can undermine project economics. The sustainability of the current price rebound will be tested by U.S. market trading and the upcoming earnings season, starting with Albemarle's report this week.
