For the Quarter Ending December 2025
• In China, the Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Price Index rose by 142.08% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting tight domestic feedstocks.
• The average Lithium Hexafluorophosphate price for the quarter was approximately USD 16131.67/MT, reflecting year end procurement.
• Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Spot Price surged amid depleted inventories and aggressive downstream restocking across battery manufacturers.
• Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Price Forecast indicates firmness due to constrained upstream feedstock availability and export demand.
• Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Production Cost Trend accelerated as lithium carbonate and HF input costs increased sharply month on month.
• Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Demand Outlook remains strong with NEV and ESS procurement driving elevated offtake and front-loaded orders.
• Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Price Index showed large weekly gains and high moving averages, signalling sustained seller leverage.
• Export enquiries and year-end restocking intensified procurement, tightening coastal warehouse coverage, and supporting domestic offers.
Why did the price of Lithium Hexafluorophosphate change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Tight lithium carbonate and additive supplies elevated conversion costs and supported higher FOB offers domestically.
• Elevated downstream battery plant run rates and export front loading increased offtake, reducing spot available volume.
• Stable logistics and uninterrupted HF deliveries limited cost relief, allowing producers to maintain firmer pricing.
Europe
• In Europe, Lithium Hexafluorophosphate demand is closely tied to EV battery manufacturing, grid-scale energy storage projects, and automotive electrification, positioning it as a strategic battery material.
• The Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Price Index in Q4 2025 displayed a mixed to bearish trend, influenced by sluggish EV adoption rates and delayed battery plant ramp-ups across key European markets.
• The Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Spot Price faced downward pressure throughout the quarter, as buyers adopted a hand-to-mouth procurement strategy amid macroeconomic uncertainty and reduced automotive output.
• In December 2025, prices declined, driven by a year-end demand slowdown, excess availability of imported battery-grade material, and lower upstream lithium salt prices across the region.
• The Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Production Cost Trend in Europe remained elevated compared to Asia due to higher energy and compliance costs, limiting local production competitiveness and increasing reliance on imports.
• The Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Demand Outlook for Europe remains moderate, with growth expected to resume as EV subsidies stabilize and new battery manufacturing capacity becomes operational in 2026.
• According to the Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Price Forecast, prices are expected to remain range-bound in early 2026, with upside potential linked to stronger EV sales and restocking cycles.
What is the current market situation of Lithium Hexafluorophosphate in Europe?
• The Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Price Index declined in December 2025 due to a pronounced year-end slowdown in battery and EV production, which reduced spot buying and led to cautious, hand-to-mouth procurement by European manufacturers.
• Increased availability of imported battery-grade material from Asia created a temporary oversupply in the European market, putting additional downward pressure on the Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Spot Price.
• Softer upstream lithium salt prices and easing fluorochemical costs lowered replacement costs, reinforcing the downward movement in the Price Index during December.
North America
• Lithium Hexafluorophosphate is a critical electrolyte salt primarily used in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), energy storage systems (ESS), and consumer electronics, making its pricing highly sensitive to battery supply chain dynamics in North America.
• During Q4 2025, the Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Price Index in North America showed a softening trend, reflecting subdued spot market activity and cautious procurement from battery manufacturers amid inventory optimization.
• The Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Spot Price remained under pressure through October and November as EV battery producers delayed long-term contracts due to sufficient stock coverage and slower-than-expected EV sales growth in the region.
• In December 2025, the Price Index declined, primarily due to weak year-end demand, aggressive destocking by downstream battery producers, and easing lithium carbonate and fluorochemical feedstock costs, which reduced overall cost pressure.
• The Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Production Cost Trend improved slightly in Q4 as energy prices stabilized and raw material availability improved, enabling producers to maintain operating rates without passing on cost increases.
• The Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Demand Outlook remains cautiously optimistic for early 2026, supported by U.S. battery plant expansions and federal incentives, though near-term demand is expected to recover gradually.
• The Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Price Forecast suggests a potential price stabilization in Q1 2026, contingent on EV sales recovery and renewed procurement from large battery gigafactories.
Why did the price of Lithium Hexafluorophosphate change in December 2025 in North America?
• In North America, the Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Price Index decreased as battery producers undertook aggressive year-end destocking, deferring new purchases until early 2026.
• Slower-than-expected EV sales growth reduced short-term electrolyte demand, weakening the Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Demand Outlook and pressuring spot market prices.
• A favorable Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Production Cost Trend, supported by lower feedstock and stable energy costs, allowed suppliers to accept lower prices without impacting margins.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
APAC
• In China, the Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Price Index fell by 1.31% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting subdued spot demand.
• The average Lithium Hexafluorophosphate price for the quarter was approximately USD 6663.67/MT, reflecting high inventories.
• Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Spot Price volatility eased as producers maintained output, keeping the Price Index stable.
• Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Price Forecast signals cautious upside risk as feedstock cost volatility intermittently supports prices.
• Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Production Cost Trend rose due to recent lithium carbonate and fluorite price moves.
• Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Demand Outlook stays supported by NEV and ESS production despite cautious just-in-time buying.
• High operating rates and inventory overhang keep Lithium Hexafluorophosphate supply ample, moderating Price Index gains.
• Regulatory compliance costs, trucking premiums and port congestion supported short-term upticks in the Spot Price.
Why did the price of Lithium Hexafluorophosphate change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Feedstock cost upticks, notably lithium carbonate and fluorite, increased conversion expenses for Lithium Hexafluorophosphate producers.
• Sustained high plant utilisation and battery-cell offtake tightened availability, supporting Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Price Index gains.
• Elevated inventories and muted export demand constrained restocking, keeping Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Spot Price under pressure.
North America
• Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Spot Price in North America remained volatile through Q3 2025, with a slight decline in September due to easing feedstock costs and cautious procurement from battery manufacturers.
• The Price Index showed moderate gains in July and August, driven by strong demand from electric vehicles and energy storage systems, but softened in September amid inventory saturation.
• Key downstream uses of Lithium Hexafluorophosphate include electrolyte salts in lithium-ion batteries, especially for EVs, portable electronics, and industrial energy storage systems.
• The Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Production Cost Trend eased in September due to lower phosphorus pentachloride and hydrofluoric acid prices, improving margins for producers.
• The Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Demand Outlook remains optimistic, supported by federal incentives for EV adoption and expanding battery manufacturing capacity across the U.S. and Canada.
• The Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Price Forecast for Q4 2025 suggests a rebound, with expected restocking and seasonal demand recovery from battery OEMs.
Why did the price of Lithium Hexafluorophosphate change in September 2025 in North America?
• Lower prices for phosphorus pentachloride and hydrofluoric acid reduced production expenses, contributing to a softer Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Spot Price.
• Inventory Saturation: Battery manufacturers slowed procurement due to previously accumulated stock, leading to reduced buying activity and downward pressure on the Price Index.
• Cautious Market Sentiment: Despite strong long-term demand, short-term purchasing remained conservative, reflecting a temporary dip in momentum across the lithium-ion battery supply chain.
Europe
• Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Spot Price in Europe remained firm throughout Q3 2025, with a price increase in September driven by tightening supply and strong demand from EV battery manufacturers.
• The Price Index showed upward momentum in September, reflecting increased procurement from European gigafactories and limited imports from Asia due to shipping delays.
• Key downstream uses include electrolyte salts in lithium-ion batteries, energy storage systems, and consumer electronics, with EV growth being the primary demand driver.
• The Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Production Cost Trend rose in September due to elevated energy prices and constrained availability of fluorine-based feedstocks.
• The Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Demand Outlook remains bullish, supported by EU electrification mandates, rising EV registrations, and expansion of local battery production facilities.
• The Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Price Forecast for Q4 2025 indicates continued firmness, with potential supply bottlenecks and sustained demand from automotive and industrial sectors.
Why did the price of Lithium Hexafluorophosphate change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Limited imports from Asia and constrained local production led to reduced availability, pushing the Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Spot Price higher.
• Increased procurement from European gigafactories, driven by rising EV production, contributed to upward pressure on the Price Index.
• The Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Production Cost Trend rose due to elevated energy prices and restricted access to fluorine-based feedstocks, further supporting the price increase.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
• The Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Price Index in China declined by around 11.0% quarter-on-quarter, falling to USD 6,470/tonne FOB Qingdao.
• Why did the price of Lithium Hexafluorophosphate change in July 2025 in China?
Prices in early July continued to slide mildly in early July due to elevated inventories, weak spot demand from electrolyte producers.
• The Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Price Forecast for Q3 suggests continued softness unless there’s a strong demand rebound. Most producers expect rangebound-to-weak trends, with possible restocking toward the end of Q3 if policy clarity improves.
• The Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Production Cost Trend in Q2 remained under pressure.
• Raw material costs, including lithium carbonate, phosphorus pentachloride, and hydrofluoric acid, declined steadily across the quarter, enabling producers to lower offer levels while protecting slim margins.
• The Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Demand Outlook remained cautious. While domestic EV battery demand stayed strong, downstream electrolyte formulators and cell producers largely adhered to just-in-time purchasing strategies amid ongoing price volatility and global trade uncertainties.
• Chinese export volumes softened slightly, as South Korean and Indian buyers focused on long-term contract volumes, avoiding spot purchases.
• U.S. buyers remained conservative due to elevated freight costs and potential regulatory shifts.
• Inventory levels across domestic warehouses rose in June, reflecting excess supply as production rates stayed high at most facilities, even with occasional maintenance-driven dips.
North America
• The Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Price Index in North America remained under downward pressure throughout Q2 2025 due to global oversupply, softened cathode demand, and weak battery material restocking behavior.
• Why did the price of Lithium Hexafluorophosphate change in July 2025 in North America?
Prices in early July held flat or dipped slightly as buyers remained cautious, adjusting procurement to match domestic battery demand and avoiding aggressive restocking amid uncertain U.S.–Asia trade policies.
• The Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Price Forecast for Q3 is flat to slightly bearish unless end-user sectors (EVs, grid storage) show a demand resurgence or new incentives lift procurement sentiment.
• The Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Production Cost Trend was driven by international trends in lithium and phosphorus chemicals.
• Although domestic production remains limited, importers benefited from softened Asian prices, helping ease landed costs.
• The Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Demand Outlook was muted.
• North American battery producers operated at lower-than-expected utilization rates due to cautious OEM forecasts and persistent cost optimization cycles.
Europe
• The Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Price Index in Europe weakened during Q2 as soft battery-grade chemical imports from Asia met with restrained offtake.
• Why did the price of Lithium Hexafluorophosphate change in July 2025 in Europe?
In early July, prices continued to face mild pressure due to weak summer activity, cautious restocking, and consistent supply from Chinese exporters.
• The Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Price Forecast for Q3 shows potential stabilization toward the end of the quarter if government incentives and storage mandates boost battery-related orders.
• The Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Production Cost Trend in Europe was heavily influenced by freight rates and currency fluctuations.
• Soft Asian import prices helped EU importers maintain competitive procurement.
• The Lithium Hexafluorophosphate Demand Outlook was subdued across Q2.
• While automotive battery demand offered some support, delayed grid-scale storage deployments and policy ambiguity restricted broader downstream expansion.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
During the first quarter of 2025, the lithium hexafluorophosphate market in the United States exhibited significant volatility, shaped by persistent global oversupply, sluggish upstream lithium fluoride pricing, policy uncertainty, and fluctuating demand from downstream battery sectors. In January, prices weakened in line with falling lithium fluoride costs, which declined due to cheaper imports and weak support from lithium carbonate and hydrogen fluoride.
While broader lithium salt markets showed early signs of stabilization—thanks to a modest recovery in electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage system (ESS) production—the market remained under pressure from elevated inventories and cautious procurement strategies. In February, overall price momentum remained restrained amid global oversupply and muted restocking demand. Policy changes under the Trump administration introduced fresh uncertainty to EV-related incentives, clouding demand expectations for used in lithium-ion batteries.
By March, the market continued to face pressure from cheaper raw materials and reserved demand among cathode and electrolyte producers. Still, there were positive signs as combined EV sales in the U.S. and Canada surged 20% year-over-year in February, driven by tax incentives, expanded infrastructure, and broader EV model availability. This growing momentum in battery demand offers long-term potential for consumption, even as Q1 remained burdened by market surplus and inconsistent policy direction.
APAC
During the first quarter of 2025, China's lithium hexafluorophosphate market experienced overall price stability with minor fluctuations, largely dictated by balanced upstream and downstream dynamics, stable raw material costs, and conservative procurement behavior. While battery cell producers exerted some downward pressure, the market remained resilient due to cautious just-in-time purchasing and a balanced supply-demand outlook. Manufacturing activity remained aligned with demand, as producers operated with limited inventory buildup.
Electrolyte factory operating rates declined from 41.6% in December to 36.87% in January and further dipped to 34.81% in February, driven by the seasonal demand slowdown and Chinese New Year disruptions. Holiday-related logistics slowdowns and production halts in late January led to a temporary supply constraint, though demand remained weak, keeping prices mostly in check. Manufacturers continued production based on orders, avoiding significant inventory buildup. Battery manufacturers showed slight signs of demand recovery, but cautious procurement strategies persisted.
On the cost side, upstream raw materials like phosphorus pentachloride saw increases, though other components remained relatively stable. In early March, prices rose slightly due to tighter raw material availability, particularly fluorite, driven by mine closures and exploration difficulties. Both electrolyte and producers-maintained order-based production, fostering a stable market environment. Although demand from the downstream battery sector gradually recovered, it remained below expectations, contributing to subdued price activity.
Europe
In the first quarter of 2025, the lithium hexafluorophosphate market in Europe reflected the prolonged weakness of its upstream input, lithium fluoride, and the broader lithium compound landscape. The surplus in lithium hydroxide—a critical upstream feedstock for lithium fluoride—continued to trickle down, pressuring prices throughout the quarter. In January, lithium fluoride prices declined following a 1.9% drop in lithium hydroxide, reducing production costs and further weakening pricing across Belgium and other EU markets.
Downstream demand, especially from the battery and specialty electrolyte sectors, remained subdued during the early part of the year. Low seasonal demand and excessive inventories held back purchases from electrolyte manufacturers, despite some early restocking efforts. EV and ESS battery production started slowing, further reducing offtake. The sluggish consumer electronics segment added to the strain on demand, and most buyers adopted a wait-and-see approach amid weak price signals.
However, optimism began to emerge by March as Chinese buyers became more active ahead of the Lunar New Year, providing indirect support to the European market through raw material tightening. Meanwhile, an improving EV policy environment in Europe led to a 20% year-over-year rise in EV adoption, laying a stronger foundation for battery material consumption. As battery cell production ramps up in response, demand is expected to benefit in the coming quarters, particularly in high-performance applications requiring stable electrolyte formulations.
