This week’s weekly TC for domestically produced Pb50 remained unchanged at an average of 200 yuan/mt Pb, while the average weekly TC for imported Pb60 was revised down to -$165/dmt. During the week, TCs for domestically produced standard ore held steady, but the market for high-grade lead concentrates (lead content above 55%) remained tight, with mainstream transactions primarily at zero or negative TCs. Additionally, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck Dachaidan in Haixi, Qinghai, during the week; according to SMM, lead and zinc mines in Qinghai were unaffected and production remained normal. For imported ore, limited arrivals and high sulphuric acid prices meant smelters had strong demand for ore, pushing TCs down further, with some silver-lead ore prices reported at -$260/dmt. Amid expectations for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, disruption to lead concentrate supply has been minor, but market estimates suggest that if sulphuric acid prices fall sharply, thereby impacting primary lead smelter production, lead TCs may only then have a chance of stopping their decline. In the short term, ore supply remains tight.
![SMM Primary Lead Smelter Weekly Operating Rate (June 12, 2026 - June 18, 2026) [SMM Primary Lead Production Weekly Review]](https://imgqn.smm.cn/usercenter/TmYox20251217171721.jpeg)
![Maintenance and Downstream Cargo Pick-Up Deplete Primary Lead Enterprises' Plant Inventory to Low [SMM Primary Lead Inventory Weekly Review]](https://imgqn.smm.cn/usercenter/bAjSC20251217171721.jpg)
