For the Quarter Ending June 2025
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
• Lithium Fluoride Price Index in China declined by 12.8% settling at USD 14,469/MT FOB Guangdong in June 2025.
• Why did the price of Lithium Fluoride change in July 2025 in China? Prices continued to fall due to record Q1 production, weak spot demand, and falling upstream lithium carbonate costs.
• Elevated inventories and cautious procurement further weighed on sentiment.
• Lithium Fluoride Price Forecast for Q3 2025: A soft-to-stable trend is expected. With supply remaining strong and buyers hesitant, a price rebound seems unlikely unless EV or energy storage offtake improves substantially.
• Lithium Fluoride Production Cost Trend: Cost support weakened through Q2 as lithium carbonate prices declined.
• Despite stable hydrofluoric acid and uninterrupted feedstock supply, producers operated defensively amid narrowing margins.
• Lithium Fluoride Demand Outlook: Cathode manufacturers in China remained cautious, continuing “hand-to-mouth” purchasing.
• Energy storage growth and robust NEV sales provided a floor for demand but failed to lift market sentiment.
• Automotive Sector: In April and May, China's NEV penetration topped 52%, with retail NEV sales exceeding 900,000 units monthly.
North America
• Lithium Fluoride Price Index in the U.S. saw a steep 10.1% decline in June 2025, settling at USD 15,511/MT CIF New York Port.
• Why did the price of Lithium Fluoride change in July 2025 in North America? Heavy imports from China and Chile, high inventories, and muted downstream interest, especially from battery material firms, combined with a strong dollar, pushed landed prices lower.
• Lithium Fluoride Price Forecast for Q3 2025: Prices are likely to remain under pressure due to continued global oversupply and cautious procurement.
• Any recovery depends on stabilization of U.S. tariffs and stronger downstream activity.
• Lithium Fluoride Production Cost Trend: Input costs dropped on the back of falling lithium carbonate prices and stable HF supply from Gulf Coast producers. However, this was insufficient to stimulate demand or reduce price pressure.
• Lithium Fluoride Demand Outlook: Energy storage systems (ESS) remained a bright spot, but battery manufacturers maintained limited spot buying. Several battery material projects faced delays, reducing near-term offtake.
• Automotive Sector: U.S. EV sales rose 11.4% YoY in Q1 2025, accounting for 7.5% of new vehicle sales.
• Despite strong deliveries, tax incentive reductions, and rising vehicle prices, OEMs to prioritize contract orders over spot LiF purchases.
Europe
• Lithium Fluoride Price Index in Europe declined through Q2 2025, with prices softening further by late June amid muted demand and ample availability from Asian imports.
• Why did the price of Lithium Fluoride change in July 2025 in Europe? European prices weakened due to steady inflows from China and Chile, weak downstream consumption, and shrinking upstream lithium carbonate costs. Buyers in the battery and chemical sectors largely deferred spot purchases.
• Lithium Fluoride Price Forecast for Q3 2025: The outlook remains weak-to-stable, with limited upside unless EV production accelerates or policy incentives for battery manufacturing are strengthened. Oversupply and flat restocking cycles continue to weigh on sentiment.
• Lithium Fluoride Production Cost Trend: Europe remains reliant on imports for lithium fluoride, mainly from China. While upstream lithium prices dropped globally, import parity was partially offset by freight volatility and euro weakness, limiting cost relief for some converters.
• Lithium Fluoride Demand Outlook: Lithium fluoride demand stayed underwhelming as local cathode and electrolyte producers operated with high stock levels and low throughput.
• Uncertainty around EU tariffs on Chinese-origin battery materials further discouraged aggressive procurement.
• Automotive Sector: While EV sales in Europe rose modestly in Q2 2025, production bottlenecks and weak industrial activity curbed lithium fluoride offtake.
• European OEMs focused on inventory control as they adjusted to shifting subsidy structures and regulatory targets.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the current price trend of Lithium Fluoride in APAC?
Lithium fluoride prices in China were last assessed at USD 14,256/MT FOB Guangdong in June 2025.
2. What is the current price trend of Lithium Fluoride in North America?
As of June 2025, lithium fluoride prices were assessed at USD 15,511/MT CIF New York Port in June 2025.
3. What is the current price trend of Lithium Fluoride in Europe?
European prices trended downward through Q2 2025 due to weak regional demand and ample imports.
4. Why did Lithium Fluoride prices decline in June 2025?
o APAC: Persistent oversupply, falling upstream lithium carbonate prices, and defensive procurement by cathode makers.
o North America: Heavy Chinese and Chilean imports, cautious battery procurement, and policy-related uncertainty.
o Europe: Soft downstream demand, reduced inventory appetite, and fragile cost pass-through margins kept prices subdued.
