For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
During the first quarter of 2025, the lithium fluoride market in the United States experienced notable fluctuations, driven by global oversupply, shifting upstream dynamics, policy changes, and varying demand patterns from downstream sectors. In January, prices declined largely due to cheaper imports and weak cost support from upstream lithium carbonate and hydrogen fluoride. Despite some signs of global market stabilization—fueled by recovering EV and energy storage system (ESS) demand—the market remained under pressure from high inventories and conservative purchasing behavior.
In February, lithium fluoride prices continued their downward trajectory, declining to USD 17,822/MT in the first week before briefly rebounding to USD 18,270/MT due to the arrival of costlier imports. High global inventories, especially from China, along with projected oversupply and muted restocking demand, suppressed price momentum. Policy shifts and geopolitical risks added uncertainty to demand growth, particularly in North America, where EV incentives were under scrutiny.
By March, prices stabilized temporarily before edging down again. This decline reflected cheaper imports and cautious demand from cathode material manufacturers, particularly in China, where long-term contract supply met most production needs. Although EV sales in North America rose 20% year-over-year in February—driven by improved infrastructure, broader model availability, and federal subsidies—the lithium fluoride market remained capped by global oversupply and selective downstream procurement strategies.
APAC
During the first quarter of 2025, the lithium fluoride market in China experienced a consistent downward trend, primarily influenced by weak upstream cost support, subdued demand, and seasonal disruptions. The quarter opened with a 1.2% price decline in January, driven by falling lithium carbonate and hydrogen fluoride prices. Manufacturers reduced prices to stay competitive amidst high inventories and limited spot market activity.
Despite relatively steady demand from ternary cathode material manufacturers, especially for 8-series batteries, it was insufficient to offset a contracting supply environment. Production challenges, including widespread maintenance and regulatory constraints on upstream mining, further tightened the supply chain. February saw a continued softening in prices, as demand remained muted following the Chinese New Year. Pre-holiday inventory buildup led to conservative purchasing, and both upstream and downstream players adopted a wait-and-see approach.
The supply side saw limited changes, as producers maintained high raw material costs despite a surplus in lithium carbonate. In March, prices initially stabilized as some operations resumed and smelters finalized maintenance schedules. Inquiries for large orders remained low, and ample supply from pre-existing contracts further reduced immediate market activity. Upstream hydrogen fluoride prices surged, yet this was insufficient to reverse the prevailing bearish sentiment.
Europe
During the first quarter of 2025, lithium fluoride prices in Belgium mirrored the broader lithium market’s weakness, influenced heavily by the prolonged oversupply of upstream lithium hydroxide, from which it is derived. The downstream market for lithium fluoride remained subdued, reflecting weak performance in the battery and specialty glass sectors, although marginal signs of stabilization began to emerge by March. In January, lithium fluoride prices declined due to a cascading effect from lithium hydroxide’s 1.9% price drop, driven by high inventories, low seasonal demand, and cheaper imports.
Additionally, the slow start in battery production particularly for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems (ESS) limited immediate industrial consumption of lithium fluoride, a key material in electrolyte salts and high-performance ceramics. Despite this, the ample availability of lithium hydroxide kept downstream lithium fluoride prices under downward pressure. However, demand was still soft due to ongoing cautious purchasing behavior and sluggish recovery in consumer electronics and battery sectors.
Nonetheless, modest optimism returned as Chinese buying activity increased ahead of the Lunar New Year and European EV policy incentives started stimulating lithium-based supply chains. Though demand remained weaker than expected improvements in European EV adoption, up 20% year-over-year, offered a more positive long-term outlook for lithium fluoride consumption, particularly in cathode manufacturing and specialty applications.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The US Lithium Fluoride market in Q4 2024 exhibited a volatile price trajectory, primarily driven by persistent oversupply and subdued demand. The quarter commenced with relatively stable prices amidst an oversupplied market, with excess supply outpacing current demand, leading to downward pressure on prices.
While there were initial signs of production cuts by Chinese producers, their impact was limited. Subsequently, prices experienced a brief period of upward movement driven by the import of higher-priced goods. However, this was short-lived, as prices declined significantly towards the end of the quarter due to continued oversupply, sluggish demand from battery manufacturers, and the import of cheaper goods.
The demand for lithium fluoride remained subdued throughout the quarter, impacted by factors such as cautious purchasing behavior from battery manufacturers and EV makers, concerns about tightening regulations in key markets, and a global economic slowdown. Despite the challenges, the US EV market continued to grow, albeit at a slower pace than initially anticipated. However, the impact of this growth on lithium fluoride demand was limited due to the prevailing oversupply conditions. The continued robust production from major producers further exacerbated the oversupply situation, exerting significant downward pressure on prices.
APAC
The APAC Lithium Fluoride market in Q4 2024 exhibited a volatile price trajectory, influenced by a complex interplay of supply and demand factors. The quarter commenced with a surge in prices driven by pre-holiday inventory buildup and robust demand from downstream sectors, particularly for high-nickel ternary cathode materials. However, this was followed by a period of price stability and even slight declines due to factors such as lower-than-expected production cuts, increased supply from new projects, and a slowdown in consumer demand. Subsequently, prices rebounded slightly in November driven by improved market sentiment and production cuts at an overseas mine. However, this upward trend was short-lived, as prices declined again in December due to reduced consumer demand, high inventory levels, and cautious purchasing behavior ahead of the year-end. Throughout the quarter, supply and demand dynamics fluctuated significantly. While supply increased due to higher production from fluorspar and hydrofluoric acid, it was partially offset by production halts for maintenance at some lithium salt factories. Demand remained robust, driven by strong NEV sales in China, although seasonal weakness was observed towards the end of the quarter.
Europe
The European Lithium Fluoride market in Q4 2024 exhibited a volatile price trajectory, primarily influenced by the dynamics of the global battery market. The quarter commenced with a period of relative price stability amidst an oversupplied market and reduced consumer inquiries. This oversupply, driven by factors such as increased production capacity and lower-than-expected demand from battery manufacturers, exerted significant downward pressure on prices. While demand from the EV sector in Europe showed some growth, it was insufficient to offset the impact of the oversupplied market. Towards the end of the quarter, prices began to decline further, primarily due to cautious purchasing behavior from battery manufacturers and EV makers. This cautious approach was influenced by factors such as tightening regulations in key markets, rising interest rates, and concerns about a potential economic slowdown. Despite these challenges, the European Lithium Fluoride market demonstrated some resilience. The growing demand for EVs in the region, albeit at a slower pace compared to other regions, continued to support the market. However, the overall market sentiment remained subdued, with concerns about oversupply and potential price volatility persisting.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the Lithium Fluoride market in North America experienced a significant downturn, with prices decreasing by 31% compared to the same quarter last year. This sharp decline can be attributed to various factors influencing market dynamics. Weak demand, excess inventory levels, and lackluster procurement activities have all contributed to the negative sentiment in the market. Additionally, poor cost support from upstream markets and increased imports has further pressured prices downward.
Specifically focusing on the USA, which has witnessed the most substantial price changes, the trend has been consistent with the overall North American market. The quarter started with a price decrease of 8%, reflecting the prevailing bearish conditions. The latter half of the quarter saw a further 8% drop in prices, emphasizing the continued downward trajectory.
The quarter concluded with Lithium Fluoride CIF New York Port settling at USD 44313/MT, underscoring the persistent negative pricing environment. Overall, the pricing trend for Lithium Fluoride in Q3 2024 has been overwhelmingly negative, characterized by decreasing prices, subdued demand, and challenging market conditions.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the Lithium Fluoride market in the APAC region witnessed a notable decline in prices, with China experiencing the most significant price changes. Various factors contributed to this downturn, including weak consumer demand, oversupply concerns, and persistently low demand in downstream lithium-ion battery manufacturing industries. Additionally, weak support from the upstream markets had its impact on the product prices in this quarter. The market sentiment for lithium fluoride remained negative throughout the quarter, with prices steadily decreasing. Notably, the pricing environment in Q3 2024 exhibited a 25% decrease compared to the same quarter last year, indicating a substantial downward trend. Moreover, the quarter-on-quarter change recorded a 13% decrease, emphasizing the ongoing price deterioration. Within the quarter, the second half saw a further 8% decline compared to the first half, reflecting a continuous downward trajectory. The quarter concluded with Lithium Fluoride prices settling at USD 42770/MT FOB Guangdong in China, underscoring the prevailing negative pricing dynamics and challenging market conditions.
Europe
Throughout Q3 2024, the market for lithium fluoride in Europe witnessed a continuous decline in prices, reflecting negative sentiment driven by several key factors. The oversupply situation, along with weak market sentiment in Asia and North America, has significantly contributed to the decreasing prices. Additionally, weak support from the upstream markets had its impact on the product prices in this quarter.
Bearish market conditions, coupled with high supply levels and low demand, have exacerbated the ongoing price downtrend. Additionally, challenges faced by European manufacturers in the global chemical market, high production costs, limited consumer demand, and worsening economic conditions have further impacted the lithium fluoride sector as well.
Belgium, in particular, has experienced the most pronounced price changes within the region. The substantial decrease compared to the same quarter last year underscores the difficult market environment. Moreover, the recorded price change from the previous quarter and difference between the first and second halves of the quarter highlight the consistent downward pricing trend.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In Q2 2024, the North American market for Lithium Fluoride experienced a period marked by nuanced price adjustments, culminating in a quarter-ending price of USD 58,548/MT CIF New York Port in the USA. The quarter has seen price increases driven predominantly by heightened shipping costs and unseasonal surges in ocean freight demand, as logistical bottlenecks and increased restocking cycles from major importers added strain to the container market.
Elevated freight charges, exacerbated by constraints in shipping capacity and disruptions in major trade routes, significantly influenced the cost structure, leading to higher import costs for lithium carbonate, a precursor in Lithium Fluoride production. In the USA, where the price movements were most pronounced, the trends reflected a complex interplay of steady downstream demand, particularly from the burgeoning hybrid vehicle market, and an oversupplied domestic market.
Despite stable downstream inquiries, the market faced a dichotomy of declining new purchase orders and increasing freight and import costs, which collectively drove prices upwards. Overall, the pricing environment has been characterized as stable with a slight upward sentiment, driven by logistical challenges and evolving demand dynamics, particularly within the North American automotive sector, despite the overarching macroeconomic pressures.
APAC
The second quarter of 2024 has been characterized by stable to slightly increasing prices for Lithium Fluoride in the APAC region. Factors influencing market prices include moderate supply amid steady production rates and heightened demand from downstream industries, particularly automotive and battery manufacturing sectors. Environmental regulations and supply chain disruptions have added pressure on small and medium-sized producers, further impacting the market balance. Additionally, rising upstream costs for lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide have provided robust cost support for Lithium Fluoride, exacerbating price stability. Focusing on China, the nation has experienced notable price changes, driven primarily by regulatory constraints, production maintenance activities, and fluctuations in raw material availability. Despite these pressures, the overall trend for Lithium Fluoride prices in China showed a stable sentiment with a slight upward trajectory. The seasonality effect was evident with steady market inquiries from automotive and glass manufacturing sectors contributing to a consistent demand. The quarter concluded with Lithium Fluoride FOB Guangdong prices settling at USD 56900/MT. This pricing environment reflects a stable market sentiment, supported by steady demand and moderate supply conditions. The overall sentiment has been stable with a slight inclination towards positive pricing due to consistent downstream demand and firm cost support from upstream raw materials.
Europe
In Q2 2024, the Lithium Fluoride market in Europe demonstrated a largely stable pricing environment. The quarter was marked by balanced supply and demand dynamics, supported by consistent production rates and stable upstream costs, particularly for key raw materials. Despite logistical challenges, such as rising freight charges and congestion in major shipping routes, these did not notably disrupt the market. Demand from downstream industries, especially the electric vehicle sector, showed steady but subdued growth due to reduced subsidies and economic uncertainties affecting consumer spending. In Belgium, Lithium Fluoride prices experienced some fluctuations during the quarter but remained relatively stable overall. An analysis of the price trends throughout the quarter reveals stability, with no significant percentage change between the first and second halves of the period, indicating a steady market sentiment. Overall, the pricing environment has been stable with a slight upward trend, influenced by logistical challenges and shifting demand dynamics, especially in the European electric vehicle manufacturing sector, despite broader macroeconomic pressures.
