Lithium fluoride trading in the US market swung as battery sector demand buoyed spot bids before easing. Early on, brisk offtake from LiPF6 and electrolyte producers, along with vendor-managed inventory restocking by cell makers, supported a firmer tone; later, additional import parcels and steady port activity helped relieve tightness. Seasonal shutdowns and quarter-start precursor buying shaped procurement, with converters and PVDF producers stepping up short-term purchases. Overall, the lithium fluoride market shifted from tight to more balanced as downstream qualification cycles and improving import availability moderated spot pressure. Battery and EV cell manufacturing remained the principal bullish driver, pulling electrolyte-grade LiF for LiPF6 production and advanced chemistries. In contrast, industrial and specialty chemical demand remained soft, with ample inventories of lithium fluoride and limited incremental pull. PVDF firms maintained steady coating and film-grade procurement, while energy-storage formulators continued development work that supported baseline consumption but delayed large spot buys. Outlook for lithium fluoride points to a modest near-term upside, contingent on restocking, feedstock costs, and qualification timelines.
