Highlights of Future price: Market activity remains quiet during the Asian session, with LME 3M lead trading around $1963/t, up 0.03%. Prices moved in a tight range between $1945–$1965, reflecting low volatility and balanced sentiment. Trading remains rangebound as participants wait for clearer signals on supply-demand trend.
Highlights of Asia lead market: Refined lead consumption remains subdued. In China, demand is weak with few spot orders and ex-works quotes around RMB 16,500/t. Across Asia, shortages of remelted lead continue to disrupt production. In Vietnam, smelters are limiting inventory buildup and focusing on long-term contracts, while imports have slowed due to high shipping costs. Long-term premiums are about $90 for 99.97 grade and $130 for 99.99 grade (over LME price).
![Rising China Supply Combined with Ex-China Inventories at 13-Year High Limits Upside Momentum for Lead Prices [SMM Lead Market Weekly Forecast]](https://imgqn.smm.cn/usercenter/msNEk20251217171722.jpg)
![Intraday lead prices edged up before fluctuating and pulling back, eventually closing with a doji [Lead Futures Brief]](https://imgqn.smm.cn/usercenter/qnyHQ20251217171721.jpeg)
