SMM data showed that in January, China's copper cathode output was 969,800 mt, a month-on-month decrease of 29,600 mt or 2.96%, but a year-on-year increase of 13.65% or 116,500 mt; the output is 16,200 mt higher than the expected 953,600 mt.
[SMM Cobalt Lithium Morning Meeting Minutes: Ternary precursor prices were stable this week. On the cost side, nickel prices rebounded slightly due to tight low-priced spot supply. There was an intention among precursor manufacturers to raise quotes slightly, but downstream resistance to price hikes remained strong, and it was difficult for transactions to increase. On the demand side, domestic cathode production exceeded expectations. Some companies saw better demand for precursors as reduced production was resumed in addition to some projects stocking up earlier.]