August 19 Scrap Battery Market Transaction Summary [SMM Daily Review]

Published: Aug 19, 2026 13:30

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SMM, August 19:

Today, China's waste lead-acid battery market was stable overall. Only a very few smelters raised prices by 20-50 yuan/mt, mainly for EV batteries. SHFE lead prices consolidated at highs and spot lead prices were stable, providing a bottom support for scrap battery prices. Smelters' shipments and end-user purchases were mainly based on rigid demand, limiting upward momentum. Sentiment on the recycling side diverged significantly in terms of holding back from selling: large holders continued to hold back and wait, while small holders sold in line with the market. Daily scattered cargoes circulated smoothly, but concentrated large-volume supply was relatively scarce. Arrivals at smelters were stable, with no notable increase or decrease. In the short term, the scrap battery market is expected to continue consolidating at highs on a firm note. Attention should be paid to lead price trends, the stockpiling pace during the "September-October peak season," and the release of supply from retail outlets.

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