Ronbay Boosts 3Q Battery Cathode Active Material Sales Amid Rising EV Demand

Ronbay

Ningbo Ronbay, a leading Chinese manufacturer of battery cathode active materials (CAM), has reported a significant increase in sales for the third quarter of 2023, driven by surging demand from the electric vehicle (EV) sector. Ronbay’s strong performance was reflected in a 27% increase in ternary CAM sales compared to the same period last year, reaching over 35,000 tons. The company’s market share in the global CAM market now stands at 14.4%, up by four percentage points from the previous quarter, solidifying its position as the market leader since 2022.

Record Sales and Expansion of Ultra-High Nickel CAMs

In the first three quarters of 2023, Ronbay’s sales of ultra-high nickel CAMs surpassed 20,000 tons, highlighting the growing demand for high-energy-density batteries used in EVs and advanced battery technologies. The company's overseas shipments of all ternary CAMs reached nearly 15,000 tons, further underscoring its strong international presence.

Ronbay also saw a significant boost in its sales of battery precursors, which rose by 69% from the previous quarter to nearly 10,000 tons in the third quarter. These precursors are essential for the production of high-performance cathode materials used in lithium-ion batteries.

R&D Investment and Expansion Plans

To support its continued growth, Ronbay has significantly increased its research and development expenditure, up by 41% year-on-year, reaching 312 million yuan ($43.8 million) in the first nine months of 2023. This investment is aimed at ensuring steady shipments of ultra-high nickel CAMs, which are critical for the development of semi-solid state batteries and solid-state batteries. Ronbay has already secured certification for its ultra-high nickel CAMs from several domestic and international customers.

International Expansion and Future Prospects

In line with its growth strategy, Ronbay has been expanding its overseas production capacity. The first phase of its battery CAM project in South Korea is ramping up output, with a planned capacity of 20,000 tons per year. Additionally, the company is moving forward with the construction of the second phase, which will increase capacity to 40,000 tons per year to meet demand not only from South Korea but also from markets in Japan, Europe, and the US. Ronbay is also exploring the feasibility of a 20,000 tons per year plant in Poland and has established subsidiaries in the US to strengthen its global footprint.

By the end of 2023, Ronbay had expanded its total cathode material capacity to 200,000 tons per year, which includes 10,000 tons per year for lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) and 20,000 tons per year in South Korea. This expansion positions Ronbay as a major player in the global battery materials market, particularly in the rapidly growing EV sector.

Umicore’s Battery Materials Sales Plunge by 30% Amid EV Market Headwinds

Umicore

Northvolt collapse and weak demand weigh on Europe’s battery supply chain

Battery Materials Division Suffers Sharp Decline

Umicore reported a 30% drop in sales from its battery materials division in 2024, totaling €386 million. The Belgian chemical company cited declining demand across Europe and global weakness in electric vehicle (EV) sales as key drivers. Chief executive Bart Sap described the year as “sobering,” pointing to stalled EV adoption and strategic setbacks. As a result, Umicore paused development at its Canadian plant and tightened capital spending.

Northvolt Bankruptcy Disrupts Strategic Supply Agreement

A major blow came from the bankruptcy of Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt, which filed in March 2024. Northvolt had signed a long-term supply agreement with Umicore in 2021 for cathode active materials (CAMs). This deal was central to Umicore’s efforts to expand in Europe’s battery value chain. However, the fallout has delayed market ramp-up and disrupted regional supply ambitions. The company expects flat battery materials performance to continue through 2025.

Germanium Business Shows Resilience

Meanwhile, Umicore’s electro-optic division saw modest growth, led by demand for germanium-based products in aerospace and electronics. In addition, the firm benefited from recycling demand through its closed-loop germanium refining services. To strengthen feedstock security, Umicore partnered with STL, a subsidiary of Gecamines in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Shipments from the Big Hills Tailing site began in January and are expected to continue monthly, supporting Umicore’s supply diversification.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Umicore’s performance in 2024 highlights the growing vulnerability of Europe’s battery ambitions. The collapse of Northvolt is a cautionary tale, exposing weaknesses in upstream coordination. While setbacks continue in battery materials, Umicore’s pivot to strategic germanium sourcing may offer short-term stability.

 

Easpring Launches Lithium CAM Production in Finland to Supply European Battery Market

Finnish Battery Group

Joint Venture with Finnish Minerals Backs Strategic CAM Investment in Kotka

Beijing Easpring has initiated lithium CAM production in Finland, targeting Europe’s expanding battery manufacturing sector. The new facility in Kotka, southeast Finland, is being developed through a joint venture with Finnish Minerals Group (FMG) and its subsidiary Finnish Battery Chemicals (FBC). The project, valued at €800 million, marks a pivotal step in establishing localized cathode active material (CAM) production in the EU.

500,000t Capacity Aims to Meet Surging European Battery Demand

The facility will produce 500,000 tonnes/year of CAMs, including 200,000 tonnes of NCM and 300,000 tonnes of LFP/LMFP. The first phase targets 60,000 tonnes of NCM, aligning with growing EV demand and localized supply strategies. While the launch date remains undisclosed, Easpring emphasized its commitment to sustainability and innovation in lithium CAM production in Finland.

Strengthening Finland’s Battery Value Chain and Industrial Sovereignty

The investment strengthens Europe’s ability to produce battery-grade materials domestically, reducing reliance on imported inputs. FMG CEO Matti Hietanen highlighted the project's importance to Finland’s battery value chain, while Easpring Chair Chen Yanbin noted its role in setting global CAM standards. The company already supplies major OEMs including SK On, LGES, and Samsung SDI, and sources materials from CNGR, Albemarle, and Huayou Cobalt.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The move to localize lithium CAM production in Finland aligns with Europe’s EV supply chain autonomy goals. Easpring’s investment marks a strategic pivot toward resilient, regional battery materials manufacturing that could reshape EU-China industrial partnerships.

Ronbay's Rising Battery Sales Driven by EV Demand

Ningbo Ronbay, a leading Chinese manufacturer of battery cathode active materials (CAM), reported a significant increase in sales during the first half of 2024, fueled by the growing demand in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. The company saw its CAM sales rise by 18% year-on-year, totaling 54,900 tonnes from January to June. The majority of these sales were in lithium-nickel-cobalt-manganese oxide (NCM), with 52,700 tonnes sold, while the remaining 2,200 tonnes consisted of other CAMs such as lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP).

Ronbay has diversified its product range since acquiring Tianjin Skylandone in 2022, which allowed it to add LMFP to its portfolio. This move has paid off, with LMFP shipments surging by 166% in the first half of the year, although specific volumes were not disclosed. The company also made strides in the solid-state battery market, delivering nearly 100 tonnes of 9 series solid-state battery CAM in the first quarter of 2024.

To support its growth, Ronbay has expanded its total cathode material production capacity to 200,000 tonnes per year, with significant investments in both China and South Korea. The company is actively advancing the second phase of its South Korean project, which includes the construction of a 40,000 t/yr NCM production line and a 20,000 t/yr LMFP line. Ronbay is also planning an 80,000 t/yr NCM precursor plant in South Korea and has established production facilities across various Chinese cities.

Looking ahead, Ronbay is eyeing expansion into the European and U.S. battery markets, with potential production bases in Poland and newly established subsidiaries in the U.S. This global expansion aligns with the rapid growth of China's new energy vehicle market, which saw a 32% increase in production and sales during the first half of the year, reaching 4.944 million units.