SHANGHAI Jan. 2 (SMM) – Secondary lead producers in China stepped up procurement prices for scrap batteries in this past week on the back of tightened supply, SMM understood.

Operating rates at disqualified secondary lead smelters picked up slightly, growing demand for scrap batteries. As such, many regular producers raised purchase prices for scrap batteries with prices at 6,900 yuan per tonne for scrap automobile batteries (white shell) and 7,450 yuan per tonne for scrap motive batteries.

Profits for secondary lead producers were narrowed by growth in costs. Secondary lead prices were mainly at 12,600-12,750 yuan per tonne in the past week with average price at 12,663 yuan per tonne, up 23 yuan per tonne on a weekly basis. 

Average price came in at 6,744 yuan per tonne and 7,256 yuan per tonne for scrap automobile batteries (white shell) and scrap motive batteries, respectively, growing 54 yuan per tonne and 41 yuan per tonne from last week. This increased smelting cost by 65-90 yuan per tonne. 

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