For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Lithium Fluoride Price Index rose by 25.61% quarter-over-quarter, due to import constraints.
• The average Lithium Fluoride price for the quarter was approximately USD 19622.33/MT, per reported data
• Lithium Fluoride Spot Price firmed as trans-Pacific allocations tightened and freight premiums reduced CIF availability.
• Lithium Fluoride Price Forecast suggests near-term firmness amid constrained exports and selective restocking by converters.
• Lithium Fluoride Production Cost Trend increased with feedstock and bunker inflation, pressuring synthesis economics significantly.
• Lithium Fluoride Demand Outlook remains firm, driven by battery electrolyte and specialty optics sustaining call-offs.
• Lithium Fluoride Price Index momentum reflected thinning bonded inventories and policy-driven buying, supporting upward offers.
• Export curbs and constrained refining capacity with high downstream utilisation tightened supply and pressured offers.
Why did the price of Lithium Fluoride change in December 2025 in North America?
• Chinese export allocations tightened trans-Pacific cargo availability, reducing US import volumes and elevating CIF offers.
• Ocean-freight surcharges and higher bunker costs amplified delivered import costs, increasing seller pricing flexibility.
• Sustained battery and specialty downstream demand plus inventory draws thinned bonded stocks, supporting pressure.
APAC
• In China, the Lithium Fluoride Price Index rose by 25.6% quarter-over-quarter, driven by feedstock tightness.
• The average Lithium Fluoride price for the quarter was approximately USD 19396.67/MT and reflects FOBs.
• Lithium Fluoride Spot Price held firm amid tight availability, supporting the Lithium Fluoride Price Index.
• Lithium Fluoride Price Forecast shows near-term firmness before normalization as inventories and restocking dynamics moderate.
• Lithium Fluoride Production Cost Trend rose due to stronger fluorite and lithium carbonate, compressing margins.
• Lithium Fluoride Demand Outlook remains robust from EV battery and electrolyte, sustaining procurement despite oversupply.
• Export enquiries rose; plant inventories shortened, tightening supply and reinforcing the Lithium Fluoride Price Index.
• Major Guangdong producers reduced rates, constraining volumes and firmly validating near-term Lithium Fluoride Price Forecasts
Why did the price of Lithium Fluoride change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Environmental inspections reduced HF output in Jiangxi, tightening feedstock availability and elevating conversion cash costs.
• Surging battery procurement and enquiries ahead of the Lunar New Year increased demand for Lithium Fluoride.
• Firmer fluorite and lithium carbonate prices pressured margins, prompting tighter offers and reduced spot availability.
Europe
• Lithium Fluoride is primarily used in lithium-ion battery electrolytes, aluminum smelting fluxes, optical components, and specialty glass and ceramics, making its market closely linked to battery materials and industrial activity in Europe.
• During Q4 2025, the Lithium Fluoride Price Index in Europe showed a gradual downward trend, reflecting subdued demand from battery material processors and steady supply availability across the region.
• The Lithium Fluoride Spot Price remained under pressure throughout the quarter as downstream buyers limited purchases to short-term requirements amid weak EV battery production momentum.
• In December 2025, the Price Index declined, mainly due to year-end destocking, slower battery-grade chemical offtake, and reduced procurement from aluminum and specialty glass manufacturers during the holiday period.
• The Lithium Fluoride Production Cost Trend softened slightly in Q4 2025 as lithium feedstock prices eased and energy costs stabilized across Europe, reducing cost-push pressure on producers.
• The Lithium Fluoride Demand Outlook remained cautious at the end of the quarter, with demand constrained by delayed EV projects and muted industrial output, though long-term fundamentals tied to electrification remain supportive.
• According to the Lithium Fluoride Price Forecast, prices are expected to stabilize in early 2026, with potential recovery dependent on restocking by battery material producers and improved downstream visibility.
Why did the price of Lithium Fluoride change in December 2025 in Europe?
• The Lithium Fluoride Price Index declined in December 2025 as year-end demand from battery material processors and industrial users slowed, leading buyers to defer fresh purchases and rely on existing inventories.
• A softer Lithium Fluoride Production Cost Trend, supported by easing lithium feedstock prices and more stable European energy costs, reduced cost pressure and allowed suppliers to accept lower spot levels.
• Seasonal destocking and reduced operating rates at aluminum, glass, and specialty ceramics facilities further weakened the Lithium Fluoride Spot Price, reinforcing the downward price movement in December.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Lithium Fluoride Price Index fell by 7.17% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting abundant imports.
• The average Lithium Fluoride price for the quarter was approximately USD 15621.67/MT, CIF New York.
• Lithium Fluoride Spot Price volatility reflected Chinese allocations and trans-Pacific freight changes affecting landed offers.
• Lithium Fluoride Price Forecast indicates downside risk as inventories remain elevated and buyers delay commitments.
• Lithium Fluoride Production Cost Trend tightened as Chinese fluorite curbs pushed HF conversion, import costs.
• Lithium Fluoride Demand Outlook mixed: EV restocking supports demand, but project delays limit immediate offtake.
• Lithium Fluoride Price Index dynamics driven by inventories, steady exports, and cautious domestic converter procurement.
• Supply-side logistics friction and HF feedstock squeezes constrained offers, reducing spot availability for battery makers.
• Major producer operating rates remained normal, limiting upside, while selective restocking could tighten material availability.
Why did the price of Lithium Fluoride change in September 2025 in North America?
• Sustained Chinese imports maintained supply volumes, pressuring offers despite occasional upstream cost shocks and logistics.
• Rising fluorite and HF input costs in China pushed landed costs higher, intermittently tightening spot availability.
• Stronger U.S. dollar reduced landed import costs, while elevated inventories and cautious procurement tempered price gains.
APAC
• In China, the Lithium Fluoride Price Index fell by 1.2% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting ample output domestically.
• The average Lithium Fluoride price for the quarter was approximately USD 15443/MT FOB Guangdong, assessed.
• Lithium Fluoride Spot Price firmed on tighter feedstock flows and selective restocking by electrolyte producers.
• Lithium Fluoride Price Forecast suggests modest gains as inventory liquidation slows and downstream demand strengthens.
• Lithium Fluoride Production Cost Trend rose due to fluorite compliance costs and increased HF costs.
• Lithium Fluoride Demand Outlook remains cautious as battery makers maintain just-in-time purchases and avoid restocking.
• Lithium Fluoride Price Index reflected mixed signals: steady plant output, outages, and constrained export logistics.
• Elevated inventories capped rallies while selective restocking and currency moves supported short-term Lithium Fluoride prices.
Why did the price of Lithium Fluoride change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Tighter feedstock flows and mine licensing issues reduced fluorite deliveries, tightening HF availability and supply.
• Measured electrolyte and battery procurement supported demand, but inventories and cautious buying limited spot volatility.
• Rising compliance costs, customs delays, and port congestion increased production economics, supporting short-term offers temporarily.
Europe
• Lithium Fluoride Spot Price in Europe showed a modest uptick in September 2025, supported by consistent demand from nuclear energy applications and specialized glass manufacturing.
• The Lithium Fluoride Price Index for Q3 2025 reflected a stable-to-firm trend, with prices edging higher in September due to tight supply and steady procurement from high-tech sectors.
• Lithium Fluoride Demand Outlook remained strong across Europe, driven by its use in nuclear reactor cooling systems, lithium-ion battery electrolytes, and UV-transparent optics for defense and aerospace.
• The Lithium Fluoride Production Cost Trend remained steady during the quarter, supported by stable raw material availability and contained energy costs. However, regulatory compliance and logistics added marginal pressure to producer margins.
• September’s price increase was primarily due to tight supply conditions, firm offtake from nuclear and optoelectronic industries, and limited availability of ultra-high purity grades.
• The Lithium Fluoride Price Forecast for Q4 2025 suggests continued firmness, supported by seasonal restocking and expanding demand from renewable energy and defense sectors.
• Key downstream uses of lithium fluoride in Europe include nuclear reactor coolants, lithium-ion battery electrolytes, specialized optical components, high-performance ceramics, and metallurgical fluxes.
Why did the price of Lithium Fluoride change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Limited availability of ultra-high purity grades constrained supply, especially for high-tech applications, prompting upward price adjustments.
• Consistent procurement from nuclear energy and optoelectronic industries sustained demand, supporting a modest price uptick.
• While raw material and energy costs remained steady, rising logistics and regulatory compliance expenses added marginal pressure to producer margins, contributing to firmer pricing.
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.
