SHANGHAI, Feb. 17 (SMM) – Numerous secondary lead smelters in China have already suspended production for the approaching Chinese New Year holiday. Most plan to resume production after the Lantern Festival March 5, SMM understands.

Secondary lead prices remain low – near 11,100-11,200 yuan per tonne – as demand has softened with downstream producers building up inventories much more slowly than in years past. Meanwhile, most scrap battery traders have also shut down early, leaving scrap battery supplies in the market tight.

In addition, Jiangsu’s government issued its Environmental Protection Inspection Work Plan lately, underscoring the province’s growing emphasis on environmental issues. This round of inspections will target 70,000-80,000 polluters around the province and is expected to take a considerable toll on unlicensed secondary lead smelters in Suqian, Huaian and Xuzhou.

One such secondary lead smelter in Xuzhou voiced concerns that it may not be able resume production this year due to the new inspection regime. 

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