Litiul se prăbuşeşte în China. De ce preţul metalului care alimentează tranziţia energetică devine vulnerabil? - Economica.net

The lithium market is experiencing significant volatility, with futures prices dropping sharply in September 2026. Despite this decline, demand for lithium remains strong, driven by the growing need for batteries beyond electric vehicles, including stationary storage for renewable energy. The International Energy Agency reports a 35% increase in global battery demand in 2025, highlighting the complexities of supply and demand dynamics. China's battery industry has expanded rapidly, leading to government intervention to curb overcapacity. The situation illustrates the challenges of balancing production with actual demand, as technological advancements shift the landscape of critical minerals like lithium, nickel, and cobalt. The reliance on a few countries for production raises concerns about supply risks, particularly for rare earth elements and copper, essential for electrification.