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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.

California-based lithium-sulfur battery-maker start-up Lyten has entered a binding agreement to acquire the remaining Swedish and German assets of failed Swedish battery-maker Northvolt, the US company said late on Thursday August 7.

CME lithium hydroxide futures reached record volumes in July 2025, reflecting strong market momentum and shifting price structures driven by Chinese supply disruptions. Global exchanges are playing a larger role in shaping lithium trading trends.

Spodumene production in Australia and Canada rose in the second quarter of 2025, with most producers maintaining profitability despite falling prices. However, several high-cost operations remain inactive amid ongoing market uncertainty.

Electra Battery Materials Corp announced on Thursday July 31 that it is starting metallurgical testing on cobalt feedstocks at its historic Cobalt Camp in Ontario and at its Iron Creek, Idaho cobalt and copper project to expand North American supply of critical minerals contained in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EVs).

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.