Scrap battery prices rose then stabilized, suppliers' concentrated shipments ebbed [SMM scrap battery weekly review]

SMM, September 4:

This week, scrap battery prices rose initially before stabilizing, led by scrap electric batteries, with a weekly gain of 50-100 yuan/mt. Recycler shipments increased 30%-40% WoW. At the start of the week, lead prices pulled back, and some smelters offered time-limited price guarantees, prompting suppliers to sell intensively and causing a short-term surge in vehicles delivering raw materials to smelters. As quotes stabilized, supplier selling sentiment cooled, with some shifting back to a wait-and-see stance. By the end of the week, scrap battery recycling volume pulled back by about 20%, and raw material arrivals at smelters returned to normal levels. Looking ahead to next week, recyclers reported that supply had been released intensively at the start of the week. If lead prices remain stable, recycling volume will continue at the normalized level seen after the late-week pullback, remaining broadly steady. If lead prices rise, retail outlets will become more reluctant to sell, making purchases more difficult. In the short term, scrap battery prices are expected to remain stable and move sideways. Attention should be paid to the 16,000 yuan/mt level for lead, quote adjustments by individual smelters after their price guarantee periods expire, and changes in recycler selling sentiment.