# Lithium futures jump 11% in China as AI data center demand collides with EV market

> China's lithium futures surge 11% after AI data centers boost energy storage demand.
- Title: Lithium futures jump 11% in China as AI data center demand…
- Summary: China's lithium futures surge 11% after AI data centers boost energy storage demand. Lithium carbonate prices jumped 11% in China as AI data centers…
- Keywords: lithium carbonate, ai data centers, energy storage, ev market, guangzhou futures exchange, catl, jpmorgan, lithium prices, startups, business, Lithium, futures
- Source: Startup Fortune — https://startupfortune.com/lithium-futures-jump-11-in-china-as-ai-data-center-demand-collides-with-ev-market
- Published: 2026-10-26T12:42:09+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: lithium carbonate, ai data centers, energy storage, ev market, guangzhou futures exchange, catl, jpmorgan, lithium prices, startups, business
## Lithium carbonate futures surge
Battery-grade lithium carbonate futures jumped 11% on October 24 to 164,900 yuan per metric ton at Guangzhou Futures Exchange.
## AI data centers drive demand
China's energy storage installations grew 70% year over year to 189 GWh in 2025, offsetting seasonal EV battery dips.
## Storage demand outpaces EV growth
Energy storage systems grew 50% last year versus 26% for EVs, signaling AI's impact on battery markets.
## CATL's storage division expands
CATL's energy storage business grew 87.54% in six months as it targets AI data center infrastructure through stakes in VNET and Zhongheng Electric.
## Jianxiawo mine remains closed
CATL's Jianxiawo lithium mine in Yichun, Jiangxi province, closed since August 2025 pending environmental approval.
## Lithium prices surge
JPMorgan raised lithium carbonate price target to $18,000 per ton, with prices expected to reach 100,000 to 150,000 yuan per ton.
## Key takeaway

Lithium carbonate prices jumped 11% in China as AI data centers increased energy storage demand, offsetting EV battery orders.