Scrap battery purchase quotes remain high and difficult to decline; secondary crude lead supply is limited, and suppliers offer firm quotes [SMM Scrap Battery & Secondary Crude Lead Weekly Review]

SMM May 16 report:

Due to the scarcity of waste lead-acid battery supply in the market, recyclers are under significant pressure to purchase and have little willingness to deliver. As a result, secondary lead smelters have low inventory levels of raw materials, and their purchase offers remain high and difficult to lower. Currently, the mainstream market price for waste e-bike lead-acid battery scrap (excluding tax) ranges from 10,050 to 10,100 yuan/mt. A smelter in east China stated that after offering a price of 10,050 yuan/mt, it was like "a stone dropped into the sea" with no response. No recyclers were willing to offer goods, and a few recyclers called to request a price increase. Due to tight raw material supply and cost pressure, the supply of secondary crude lead is limited, and suppliers are offering firm prices. As of May 15, 2025, the price of secondary crude lead (excluding tax) ranges from 15,750 to 15,950 yuan/mt, and the ex-factory price of refined lead (excluding tax) ranges from 15,800 to 15,950 yuan/mt. It is expected that the price spread between the two will still not widen positively next week.

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