NYSE:SQM 23 February 2026 - 25 February 2026

Lithium price hits limit down in China, dragging Albemarle and SQM stocks — what to watch next
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Lithium price hits limit down in China, dragging Albemarle and SQM stocks — what to watch next

Albemarle shares fell 6.1% to $167.33 as China’s lithium carbonate futures dropped nearly 13%, triggering declines in SQM and Sigma Lithium. The Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF lost 6.3%. China’s most-active lithium carbonate contract closed at 150,860 yuan a tonne after hitting its daily limit-down. Weak February EV sales in China and risk-off flows into gold pressured sentiment.
March 3, 2026
Lithium price jumps after Zimbabwe export ban; Albemarle and Sigma Lithium stocks leap
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Lithium price jumps after Zimbabwe export ban; Albemarle and Sigma Lithium stocks leap

China’s lithium carbonate spot prices jumped 6%–7% to 160,000–162,000 yuan per tonne on Wednesday after Zimbabwe halted exports of raw minerals and lithium concentrates with immediate effect. Sigma Lithium surged 26% in U.S. trading, while Albemarle and SQM also rose. Zimbabwe’s ban covers minerals already in transit and will remain until further notice.
February 25, 2026
Lithium Prices Face a China Reopen Test as Albemarle Stock Jumps Nearly 4%
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Lithium Prices Face a China Reopen Test as Albemarle Stock Jumps Nearly 4%

Albemarle shares rose 3.9% to $174.93 Monday, outpacing peers as lithium prices rebounded after China’s Spring Festival lull. Shanghai Metals Market reported battery-grade lithium carbonate futures in China briefly topped 150,000 yuan per ton, with February output expected to fall 15% from January due to plant maintenance. Albemarle recently idled its last Kemerton plant unit in Australia, citing weak economics.
February 23, 2026