LFP Black Mass and Battery Scrap Prices Surge in China

LFP Black Mass Prices Track Lithium Market Trends

LFP black mass prices in China surged to 2,800–3,000 yuan per % lithium this week, rising 200 yuan from last week. This increase mirrors strong lithium carbonate prices, which reached 85,000–87,900 yuan per tonne on the Guangzhou Futures Exchange. The rising energy storage and EV sectors are driving demand, pushing recyclers to pay higher premiums for LFP black mass.

Meanwhile, NCM black mass prices remained largely stable at 72–74% payables for lithium, nickel, and cobalt. Market sources note that cobalt supply constraints from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) support NCM black mass pricing. These factors maintain steady trading activity while highlighting the sensitivity of black mass markets to global lithium and cobalt fluctuations.

End-of-life (EOL) battery availability remains limited, further boosting scrap prices. LFP EOL batteries traded near 10,000 yuan per tonne EXW China, while NCM EOL batteries reached 30,000–32,000 yuan per tonne EXW. Many spent batteries are diverted to secondary utilization, raising acquisition costs for recyclers.

Implications for the Chinese Battery Recycling Market

The recent price surge indicates robust demand for recycled lithium and cobalt materials in China. As LFP black mass and battery scrap prices climb, recyclers face tighter margins but increased market activity. The trend reinforces the strategic value of securing end-of-life batteries and adapting to volatile lithium and cobalt markets. Companies investing in recycling infrastructure could benefit from rising prices and constrained supply.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

China’s battery recycling market reflects the growing impact of EV and energy storage demand on material pricing. LFP black mass shows heightened sensitivity to lithium prices, while NCM black mass benefits from cobalt supply tightness. Stakeholders should monitor lithium carbonate trends, DRC export policies, and EOL battery availability to anticipate price movements and optimize recycling strategies.