China lithium carbonate most-active futures contract rose more than 4.0% intraday to 162,860 yuan/ton.

In a Tehran press briefing on the 23rd, foreign ministry spokesman Baghaei said Iran will decide use of its unfrozen assets solely on national-interest grounds and that there are no restrictions on their use. He dismissed reports that the funds would be limited to purchases of specified goods, including US food, saying procurement will be made by agencies such as the agriculture ministry based on price and quality. Baghaei added a US-issued license for sales of Iranian crude, petrochemicals, refined products and related services took effect on the 22nd and the same principle applies to the released assets, which he said are now fully available to Iran for its priorities.

US week to Jun 19 API refined product imports -152,000 b/d; prior -121,000 b/d.