Kent Masters, CEO of Albermarle, the world’s largest lithium producer, says it is not economically viable under current market conditions to pivot critical North American and European mineral supply chains away from China. expressed concern.

“We were trying to pivot to the West side… You can’t do that at the prices you’re seeing in the market,” Masters said. financial timesadded that the US risks losing its competitiveness in the lithium market.

Lithium prices have fallen more than 80% since early 2023 due to lower-than-expected electric vehicle (EV) penetration rates and global economic challenges, and further Western efforts to build domestic supply chains. is damaged. China currently accounts for 65% of the capacity in the global lithium refining market, and this share is expected to continue until 2040.

A week ago, Albermar reported a tough quarter, with low lithium prices, oversupply and high operating costs weighing on the industry. The company disclosed a net loss of USD 1.1 billion for the third quarter of 2024, compared to a net profit of USD 300 million in the same period last year.

Significant reductions were made accordingly. Plans for a $1.3 billion refinery in South Carolina have been scrapped and an expansion of the company’s Kemerton plant in Western Australia has been scaled back. The company is also cutting its workforce by 6% to 7% worldwide and expects capital spending in 2025 to fall to $800 million to $900 million, about half of this year’s spending.

Workers at the Kemerton factory hired to build new production trains were reportedly let go without warning when the layoffs were announced. Union representatives criticized the impact, describing it as a blow to people who migrated to find jobs in the lithium industry in southwest Washington.

The overall industry situation is better than ever. piedmont lithium (ASX:PLL) has canceled an $800 million refinery project in Tennessee, and International Battery Metals has shut down operations at its Utah plant just two months after starting production. Katana Asset Management portfolio manager Romano Sala Tenna cited high wages, regulatory hurdles and technological limitations as deterrents for global companies considering operations in Australia.

Despite the bleak outlook, some companies continue to expand. rio tinto (ASX:Rio) It recently acquired Arcadium Lithium for US$6.7 billion, making it its largest lithium acquisition to date. Global mine supply is expected to increase by 24% this year and 21% next year, but analysts predict lithium prices won’t recover until 2027.

Uncertainty surrounding President-elect Donald Trump’s policy changes, including his promise to end the insane electric vehicle mandate and IRA reforms, could dampen EV adoption and further increase pricing pressure.