In May 2026, battery-grade lithium carbonate rebounded to over RMB 200,000/ton, automotive DRAM prices surged over 300%, and aluminum/copper costs rose sharply. At least 15 OEMs announced price hikes. Industry profit margins fell to 3.2%, a 10-year low.
In May 2026, battery-grade lithium carbonate rebounded to over RMB 200,000/ton, automotive DRAM prices surged over 300%, and aluminum/copper costs rose sharply. At least 15 OEMs announced price hikes. Industry profit margins fell to 3.2%, a 10-year low.
In May 2026, BYD, Tesla, NIO, Zeekr, XPeng, Xiaomi and over 15 other OEMs announced price increases or reduced incentives, with hikes ranging from 2,000 to 20,000 yuan. Rising component costs and widespread dealer losses are cited as primary causes, signaling the end of the two-year price war phase.
EX1000
