Lithium carbonate prices climbed for a third straight week, snapping a two-year slump, as June EV registrations in China came in well above analyst estimates.

Battery-grade lithium carbonate in Shanghai traded near 92,000 yuan a tonne, up roughly 18% from May lows, as automakers restocked ahead of a seasonally strong autumn sales period.

Producers in Australia and Chile that idled capacity during the downturn have been slow to restart, leaving spot supply tight even as new projects in Argentina inch toward first output.

Analysts remain split on the durability of the rebound, noting that a resumption of idled Chinese lepidolite mines could cap further gains if prices climb much above 100,000 yuan.