Annual output targets extend rise in primary lead smelters' operating rates

Published: Dec 21, 2018 18:39

Save

Rate averaged 59.3% in the week through Dec 21, up 0.4 percentage point from the previous week

SHANGHAI, Dec 21 (SMM) – Operating rates across primary lead smelters in Henan, Hunan and Yunnan provinces averaged 59.3% in the week through December 21, up 0.4 percentage point from the previous week, SMM data showed.

A buildup of 1.5 percentage point in operating rate across Hunan primary smelters accounted for the overall increase. A local smelter started to operate at full capacity this week, in order to meet its annual production targets, SMM learned.

Rates in Henan and Yunnan changed little on the week, at 81.1% and 37% respectively, as smelters maintained steady production.

Operating rates Primary 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

16 hours ago

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.

16 hours ago

17 hours ago

"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.

17 hours ago

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.

17 hours ago