SMM 2017 Lead & Zinc Summit: Where Lead Price to Go in the Rest of Year after Plunge?

Published: May 22, 2017 15:26
Lead prices skied a rocket in 2016, but plunged 45% from the highest level so far, and will the price keep falling in the rest of year?

SHANGHAI, May (22) – Lead prices skied a rocket in 2016, but plunged 45% from the highest level so far. Where will lead price go in face of tightening bank loans, falling real estate market and strict environmental protection? See answers on SMM 2017 Lead & Zinc Summit held on May 20.

Collections of Stories in Base Metal Market at SMM 2017 Lead&Zinc Summit

SMM: Lead price registered continuous decline in the first half of 2017, and will it remain weak in the rest of year?

One lead-acid battery producer in east China expects lead-acid battery consumption to miss market anticipation. Lead consumption in motive and backup battery demand will reduce in 2017, while that in ignition battery and storage battery will increase.

SMM: Domestic lead-acid battery demand growth slows down in recent years, and will this condition continue in 2017? Do you have any battery capacity expansion in the year?

One lead-acid battery producer in east China said that lead price lacks upward strength in face of continuous decline in demand, while supply is ample. But, environmental protection inspections strike secondary lead production, and this will continue making great impact on lead price in the rest of year. If many secondary lead smelters bring capacity back online, lead price will keep falling.

For news cooperation, please contact us by email: sallyzhang@smm.cn orservice.en@smm.cn.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
Lead Prices Stagnant, Smelters Maintain Firm Offers Amid Losses
20 hours ago
Lead Prices Stagnant, Smelters Maintain Firm Offers Amid Losses
Read More
Lead Prices Stagnant, Smelters Maintain Firm Offers Amid Losses
Lead Prices Stagnant, Smelters Maintain Firm Offers Amid Losses
Lead prices were in the doldrums, while secondary lead smelters maintained firm offers due to losses. The mainstream spot order ex-factory prices including tax narrowed the discount to the SMM #1 lead average price by 100 yuan/mt, shifting to a premium of 0–25 yuan/mt, with some smelters halting offers and sales.
20 hours ago
"Domestic Secondary Crude Lead Market Slows as Holidays Approach, Smelters Halt Production"
20 hours ago
"Domestic Secondary Crude Lead Market Slows as Holidays Approach, Smelters Halt Production"
Read More
"Domestic Secondary Crude Lead Market Slows as Holidays Approach, Smelters Halt Production"
"Domestic Secondary Crude Lead Market Slows as Holidays Approach, Smelters Halt Production"
Pre-holiday stockpiling by downstream enterprises had largely concluded, and a few had already entered the holiday period, completely suspending procurement. Next week, secondary lead smelters will enter a concentrated wave of production halts and holidays, resulting in sluggish trading activity in the spot market. Offers for spot refined lead orders were sparse, with prices moving in line with the market.
20 hours ago
Sluggish Transactions in Domestic Secondary Crude Lead Market, Prices at 15,250-15,400 Yuan/mt
20 hours ago
Sluggish Transactions in Domestic Secondary Crude Lead Market, Prices at 15,250-15,400 Yuan/mt
Read More
Sluggish Transactions in Domestic Secondary Crude Lead Market, Prices at 15,250-15,400 Yuan/mt
Sluggish Transactions in Domestic Secondary Crude Lead Market, Prices at 15,250-15,400 Yuan/mt
The domestic secondary crude lead market experienced sluggish transactions. As of February 6, 2026, the ex-factory tax-exclusive offers for domestic secondary crude lead stood at 15,250-15,400 yuan/mt. Downstream refined lead and alloy smelters gradually entered the holiday period, showing weak stockpiling willingness. Overseas lead ingot suppliers basically halted transactions with China due to poor consumption in the Chinese market, with only some previously concluded shipments maintaining normal in-transit transportation. The trading atmosphere in the secondary crude lead market will continue to weaken next week.
20 hours ago