Fastmarkets NewGen Industrial Minerals short-term forecasts

Understand the short-term dynamics in the lithium market

The industrial minerals markets, notably the lithium market, are moving fast and present supply and price risks to market participants and investors. Although existing supply is likely to support near-term electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage system (ESS) demand, the combination of elevated prices and the greater use of indexation introduces significant price risk. This places a premium on gaining clarity on price dynamics, changes in volumes from existing projects and any new supply from new projects.

Whether the priority is to optimize buying and selling strategies, understand the best contract structures or mitigate risks, the Fastmarkets NewGen Industrial Minerals Short-Term Forecasts give market participants the ability to translate clarity to financial performance.


The Fastmarkets NewGen Industrial Minerals short-term forecasts include:

  • 2-year price forecasts for lithium carbonate and hydroxide domestic China and seaborne Asian prices 
  • Market dynamics and sentiment for a booming EV market, including regional developments and EV take-up by region 
  • In-depth analysis of pricing mechanisms including spot, contract, or formula-based spodumene prices 
  • Average monthly spot price allowing the calculation of the value of contracts using the Fastmarkets lithium benchmarks over their term
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We also offer short-term forecasts for minor metals, click here to find out more
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    We recognize the importance of being clear about our price assessment and index process. Our independently audited pricing process aligns with core IOSCO principles. Read more about the industrial minerals short-term forecast methodology and price specifications here.

    Browse industrial minerals market insights

    Read some of the latest market coverage from our team of price reporters, researchers and editorial team from across the globe

    After years of insufficient domestic supply that brought prices to record highs, China’s fluorspar supply tightness will ease in 2025 due to several newly developed mining sites as well as rising imports from Africa, sources told Fastmarkets, adding that demand from batteries, especially the energy storage sector (ESS), will continue to rise.

    Investment shortfalls, aggravated by recent poor performance in commodities markets, political and economic instability and surging demand, have sown the seeds for the next commodity bull cycle, leading to “metal shocks” in a similar vein to the “oil shocks” of the 1970s, according to economist Philippe Gijsels, chief strategy officer at BNP Paribas Fortis.

    Trade tensions and critical minerals: 2025 outlook on disruptions, supply chain diversification, and local production strategies.

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