Bears Dominated the Market, Lead Prices Remained in the Doldrums [Brief Review of Lead Futures]

Published: Mar 16, 2026 15:49

SMM, March 13:

During the day, the most-traded SHFE lead 2604 contract opened at around 16,550 yuan/mt. In early trading, lead prices fluctuated downward, hitting a low of 16,195 yuan/mt, and then rebounded slightly on buying support, though the rebound was limited. SHFE lead prices saw wide swings within the 16,280-16,370 yuan/mt range and finally closed at 16,315 yuan/mt. A small bearish candlestick was recorded, down 240 yuan/mt, or 1.45%. Recently, factors such as a strong US dollar driven by geopolitical tensions and stagflation concerns have weighed on lead prices. Meanwhile, losses at secondary lead smelters widened, with some enterprises suspending shipments or raising premiums on quotes; premiums for cargoes self-picked up from production sites at primary lead smelters remained firm, and proactive supply-side tightening underpinned spot prices. At present, lead prices are dominated by bears and are expected to remain in the doldrums. Subsequent lead price trends should focus on changes in downstream buying sentiment.

Data source statement: Except for public information, all other data is processed and derived by SMM based on public information, market communication, and SMM's internal database models, and is for reference only and does not constitute decision-making advice.

 

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.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
Data: SHFE, DCE market movement (Mar 16)
1 hour ago
Data: SHFE, DCE market movement (Mar 16)
Read More
Data: SHFE, DCE market movement (Mar 16)
Data: SHFE, DCE market movement (Mar 16)
The following table shows the ferrous and nonferrous metals movement on the SHFE and DCE on 16 Mar , 2026
1 hour ago
Overview of the new tax rebates for battery exports from China, effective from 1 April 2026.
1 hour ago
Overview of the new tax rebates for battery exports from China, effective from 1 April 2026.
Read More
Overview of the new tax rebates for battery exports from China, effective from 1 April 2026.
Overview of the new tax rebates for battery exports from China, effective from 1 April 2026.
On 9 January, China’s Ministry of Finance and the State Taxation Administration released a new export tax rebate policy. From 1 April 2026, China’s export tax rebates of up to 13% for solar battery panels will be rolled back, while the rebate rate for battery products will be reduced from 9% to 6%. The complete phase-out of tax rebates for the above-listed products is scheduled for 1 January 2027. This policy aims to negate price distortions emerged in overseas battery markets, which have long affected the profit margins of domestic manufacturers.
1 hour ago
Digital Battery Passport in 2027 to support Europe’s sustainability goals
4 hours ago
Digital Battery Passport in 2027 to support Europe’s sustainability goals
Read More
Digital Battery Passport in 2027 to support Europe’s sustainability goals
Digital Battery Passport in 2027 to support Europe’s sustainability goals
Digital Product Passports (DPP) introduced by the EU as part of regulatory of promoting sustainability, with batteries being the first products to be implemented. Battery passport collects data of lifecycle, durability, performance, and composition. These information helps manufacturing and end-of-life processes more circular, while enable consumers in making informed choices. The following batteries placed on or put into service in the EU market will be required for battery passport, starting from February 2027: Electric vehicle (EV) batteries; Light means of transport (LMT) batteries, such as e-bikes and e-scooters; Industrial batteries with a capacity above 2 kWh, such as those used in industrial activities, or energy storage.
4 hours ago
Register to Continue Reading
Gain access to the latest insights in metals and new energy
Already have an account?sign in here