SMM March 17:
Last Friday, LME lead opened at $2,077.5/mt, fluctuated upward during the Asian session, and climbed to a high of $2,090/mt during the European session. However, it weakened under pressure in late trading due to the upward correction of the US dollar index, dipping to $2,063/mt and closing at $2,068.5/mt, down 0.22%. On Friday night, the most-traded SHFE lead 2504 contract opened at 17,680 yuan/mt, briefly touched a high of 17,685 yuan/mt in early trading, then fluctuated downward, dipping to 17,610 yuan/mt in late trading and closing at 17,635 yuan/mt, up 0.14%.
Primary lead enterprises maintained stable or slightly increased production, while the delivery of the SHFE lead front-month contract reduced short-term market circulating supply, with spot expected to maintain premium trading. For secondary lead, as lead prices strengthened and smelters' profits improved, the discount for secondary refined lead shipments may widen. Meanwhile, end-use consumption in the lead-acid battery market remained weak, with production relatively stable. Rising raw material prices for lead, antimony, and tin have significantly increased cost pressure on battery enterprises, leading to raw material purchases being made only as needed. Overall, lead prices are likely to hover at highs in the short term.
