In July 2026, procurement volume of hydrometallurgical black mass fell 6% MoM, with sluggish transactions and a focus on destocking [SMM Analysis]
[July 2026 Hydrometallurgical Black Mass Procurement Volume Down 6% MoM, Sluggish Transactions and Destocking Dominated]
According to SMM's latest survey data, in July 2026, the scrap procurement volume (in black mass equivalent terms) of China's mainstream hydrometallurgical plants fell approximately 6% MoM from the June high. However, as market conditions stabilize and demand expectations improve, August procurement volume is expected to rebound 10%. Looking back at the July market, both supply and demand sides and price gaming showed notable structural divergence. The expectation misalignment between grinding enterprises and hydrometallurgical plants was the core factor leading to sluggish market transactions.