CATL forecasts fast expansion of China's energy‑storage battery market

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd (CATL) reported that its battery sales for the first half of 2026 rose about 60% year‑on‑year, with storage batteries accounting for roughly one‑quarter of the total. The company has begun mass delivery of its 587 Ah large‑format storage cells and says production capacity is nearly fully utilized, with additional capacity being built to meet expected demand.

Analysts at CITIC Securities project that the Chinese lithium‑battery sector will grow 25‑32% annually through 2027, driven chiefly by the surge in energy‑storage projects. While recent drops in international oil prices have tempered some expectations, the outlook remains positive, with a market correction anticipated once lithium carbonate prices stabilize and storage‑order guidance becomes clearer.