Lithium futures in China were above CNY 170,000 per tonne, approaching the over-two-year high of CNY 181,000 touched on January 26th, tracking the positive momentum for industrial metals on signs of robust demand and fresh risks to supply. Zimbabwe suspended exports of lithium concentrates and other raw materials to increase its pressure on consumers to set up their refining operations in the country. This extended supply pressure as Chinese authorities canceled 27 mining permits in the lithium hub of Jiangxi, aligned with the earlier suspension of activity in CATL's Jianxiawo lithium mine amid Beijing's anti-involution campaign. Demand remained supported by Chinese investment in power infrastructure, recently exemplified by the announcement of higher power storage spending. This was combined with Beijing stating it would double national EV charging capacity to 180 gigawatts by 2027, supporting lithium-rich energy storage systems.