Refinery Losses Worsen; Further Drop in Scrap Battery Purchase Price Expected

SMM, July 31:

The secondary refined lead market saw a stalemate with weak transactions. Smelters tightened cost controls, offering insufficient motivation to raise scrap battery purchase prices while expectations of further declines remained significant. Recyclers stayed cautious, hesitant to stockpile large volumes, keeping circulating supply limited. The market only saw sporadic demand-driven deals, with sellers and buyers adopting a wait-and-see stance. Short-term scrap battery prices are expected to drift lower.