A new round of price adjustments in the lithium battery materials sector has now reached the separator segment, known for its high technical barriers. Recently, price adjustment notices from leading separator manufacturers have circulated within the industry, officially confirming the arrival of a trend-driven price increase. Unlike earlier fluctuations in bulk raw materials, this round of separator price hikes is viewed as a combined result of improved industry supply-demand dynamics and the realization of technological value.

Looking at specific products, wet-process separators with higher technical content—especially ultra-thin base films of 5μm and below, along with their coated variants—show the strongest upward price momentum, with some products seeing significant increases from their annual lows. This reflects the rigid demand for high-end separators driven by downstream battery technology's pursuit of higher energy density. The dry-process separator market remains relatively stable, highlighting the divergence between different technology routes.

"Capacity utilization is now a key factor in pricing," analyzed an industry insider. "While new capacity was released over the past two years, premium capacity has always been tight. Current demand, particularly the explosion in the energy storage market, has effectively absorbed high-quality capacity, strengthening the bargaining power of suppliers." Data shows healthy overall operating rates in the separator industry this year, with some manufacturers nearing full production.

Behind the price increases, a wave of industry consolidation is unfolding simultaneously. The wet-process separator segment, characterized by heavy asset investment and rapid technological iteration, is accelerating its concentration towards leading players. Several companies have recently announced merger intentions or capacity integration plans aimed at optimizing regional layout and enhancing customer loyalty. Experts believe this consolidation will phase out inefficient and outdated capacity, channeling resources towards companies with core technology, stable production, and premium customers. Future competition in the separator industry will transcend mere pricing, evolving into a contest of comprehensive strength, ultimately providing downstream sectors with more stable and advanced product supply.