Malaysia implemented an absolute ban on imports of electronic waste (e-waste) to take immediate effect on Wednesday February 4, in an attempt to tighten environmental controls and curb illegal shipments, Fastmarkets understands.

The publication of Fastmarkets’ black mass inferred prices for Monday December 8 were delayed due to a technical error. Fastmarkets pricing database has been updated.

Spot prices for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) black mass and battery scrap rose during the week to Thursday November 13, driven by a sharp increase in Chinese lithium carbonate prices, sources told Fastmarkets.

Fastmarkets wishes to clarify details around the following aspects of the pricing methodology for MB-BMS-0014 Black mass, NCM/NCA, payable indicator, cobalt, max 5% moisture, exw USA, % payable Fastmarkets’ standard-grade cobalt price (low-end) and MB-BMS-0015 Black mass, NCM/NCA, payable indicator, nickel, max 5% moisture, exw USA, % payable LME Nickel cash official price.

Fastmarkets will apply moisture limits of maximum 5% on its black mass payables indicators across several of its markets following a one-month consultation period.

Global lithium-ion battery recyclers are grappling with a severe feedstock shortage, driving up competition for scrap and impacting production capacity. The situation is affecting pricing trends for black mass and battery metals across Europe, Asia and the US.

China's black mass import rules, effective August 1, may reshape global battery recycling by tightening high-grade material supply and altering trade patterns, benefiting some suppliers while challenging others.

Fastmarkets has corrected its MB-BMS-0015 Black mass, NCM/NCA, payable indicator, nickel, exw USA, % payable LME Nickel cash official price, which was published incorrectly on Wednesday, July 16.

Battery recyclers remain under pressure, with tight margins among black mass producers and refiners amid a host of challenges for the industry, according to delegates at Fastmarkets Lithium Supply and Battery Raw Materials Conference 2025, which took place in Last Vegas, Nevada, from June 23-26

The 2025 Fastmarkets Lithium Conference in Las Vegas highlighted critical issues shaping the battery supply chain, including lithium oversupply, funding struggles and the need for midstream investment. Discussions also emphasized the importance of interdependence with China and the challenges faced by recyclers amid policy uncertainty and market headwinds.