LME lead stocks shrink to 8-month low

Published: Oct 24, 2018 14:47

Save

Inventories fell to 14,100 mt as of Oct 23, the lowest since Feb 27, showed LME data

SHANGHAI, Oct 24 (SMM) – Lead inventories across LME-registered warehouses decreased to 14,100 mt as of Tuesday October 23, the lowest since February 27, according to data from the London Metal Exchange.

Data from the exchange in Shanghai showed that lead stocks across SHFE-registered warehouses stood at 11,081 mt as of October 19, the lowest since July 6. SHFE stocks have shrunk for eight consecutive weeks.

Inventory data Lead

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

Feb 6, 2026 19:50

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.

Feb 6, 2026 19:50

Feb 6, 2026 19:49

"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.

Feb 6, 2026 19:49

Feb 6, 2026 19:48

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.

Feb 6, 2026 19:48