Refinery Losses Depress Purchasing Bids, Scrap Battery Maintains a Weak Bargaining Landscape [SMM Scrap Battery Weekly Review]

Published: Jul 31, 2026 17:48

SMM July 31:

This week, scrap battery market showed mixed performance. EV battery prices were mainly down, while prices for other categories remained largely stable. Only a few producers raised flooded battery prices during the week. Smelters' losses-driven push for lower prices and suppliers' holding back from selling formed a stalemate. Even when lead prices rebounded, it was difficult to transmit to the raw material side. Currently, battery enterprises showed weak purchasing enthusiasm. Secondary lead finished product inventories rose while operating rates declined, leading to limited demand for scrap batteries; It is expected that next week, waste lead-acid battery prices will continue to consolidate on a subdued note, with a possibility of lower buying prices. Tight supply will limit the decline. Keep monitoring lead prices and end-use consumption in August.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM's internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

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Refinery Losses Depress Purchasing Bids, Scrap Battery Maintains a Weak Bargaining Landscape [SMM Scrap Battery Weekly Review] - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)