Minmetals Futures said market reports yesterday indicated the Jianxiawo lithium mine has obtained a safety production license ahead of expectations and expects lithium carbonate opening prices to face further downside. Market participants disagree on post-restart output; actual production levels could materially affect Q4 supply-demand. Minmetals Futures recommends a short-term wait-and-see stance pending clearer restart progress.

Uzbek media UzDaily reports Uzbekistan may delay the IPO of state carrier Uzbekistan Airways until 2027.

Japan's economic and fiscal minister KIUCHI on Tuesday said he hopes the Bank of Japan (BOJ) will use monetary policy guidance to help the government secure stronger growth. KIUCHI said specific policy decisions remain the BOJ's prerogative but pointed to a clause in the BOJ Act requiring alignment with government policy, and urged the BOJ to fully consider the government's growth priorities and provide appropriate guidance.