Lithium Battery Cell Price Increase 2025–2026 | Raw Material Costs Rising & OEM ODM Solutions by ONESUN

Battery Cell Price Increases Enter "Acceleration Phase": Raw Materials Rise Across the Board, Export Tax Rebates Imminent, and the Lithium Battery Procurement Window is Rapidly Closing

Since the fourth quarter of 2025, the lithium battery industry chain has once again shown a signal that has been repeatedly verified by the market but is easily underestimated – battery cell costs are systematically increasing, and this time it's not a short-term fluctuation, but the beginning of a trend of rising prices. From spot price indices and policy changes to the pace of orders received by companies, lithium battery prices are already at the doorstep of a new upward cycle.

I. Raw Materials Collectively Strengthen, Lithium Carbonate Prices Re-enter Upward Channel

The commodity spot price index from the "Kaipanla" software clearly shows that in the past 60 days, various raw materials closely related to lithium batteries have seen significant increases. Key categories such as industrial lithium carbonate, battery-grade lithium carbonate, and lithium hydroxide have all experienced phased increases of over 20%-50%, and the increase is even more significant over a period of six months or even a year.

Looking at the raw material price trends over the past five years disclosed by non-ferrous metals industry websites, lithium carbonate is currently in a new phase of bottoming out and rising. Unlike previous emotional rebounds, this round of increases is driven by a combination of factors: a slowdown in mining capacity expansion, a recovery in downstream energy storage and electric vehicle demand, and continuous inventory replenishment in overseas markets. Industry experts generally believe that in the next 1-2 years, core raw materials for lithium batteries will maintain high-level fluctuations and gradually rise, and the downward space for battery cell costs is extremely limited.

II. Adjustment of China's Battery Export Tax Rebate Policy, Fundamental Change in Price Logic

In addition to the pressure from raw materials, policy changes are also not to be ignored. China has clearly canceled export tax rebates for some batteries and related products. Although the specific tax rebate ratio and implementation details are still subject to official announcements, a consensus has formed in the industry – the era of offsetting costs through tax rebates is ending.

What does this mean? For manufacturers, costs will be more realistically reflected in the pricing system; for overseas customers, future battery procurement prices will more accurately reflect true manufacturing costs and raw material prices, rather than the "temporarily low prices" under policy subsidies. It is clear that waiting until the policy is fully implemented before discussing prices will only result in higher prices, not lower ones. III. Recommended Procurement Strategy: If you have a need, place your order as soon as possible; do not wait for a "correction."

In the current context, a very clear consensus is forming within the industry – if customers have a clear procurement plan, now is a relatively favorable window for placing orders. Whether it's energy storage systems, electric vehicle batteries, or customized lithium battery packs, the risks of delaying decisions are significantly increasing. Once raw material prices surge again or policy details are fully implemented, both delivery times and prices will be under pressure.

As a world-renowned lithium battery brand manufacturer, ONESUN (OneSun Technology) leverages its mature supply chain system, stable battery cell resources, and highly flexible OEM & ODM lithium battery solutions to help customers lock in costs and ensure stable delivery in the current market environment. From battery cell selection and BMS customization to complete pack design and certification support, ONESUN has provided long-term, reliable lithium battery solutions to customers in multiple countries and regions worldwide.

At this critical juncture as the lithium battery industry enters a new upward cycle, speed itself is a cost factor. Planning ahead and placing orders as soon as possible is often the most effective risk management strategy.

Article Source: Lithium battery manufacturer - ONESUN China

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