[SMM Analysis] has the fundamentals of Shanghai lead suddenly plummeted to cloudy?

Published: Sep 25, 2020 14:12
SMM: Shanghai lead suddenly plummeted fundamentals turned cloudy? On the supply side, the production of domestic primary lead smelters is stable, the maintenance of smelters has been completed one after another, and production has resumed. In terms of recycled lead, the supply of waste batteries is still tight, the price remains high, and the cost support of recycled lead is the main factor supporting the price of lead. On the consumer side, large lead-acid battery enterprises still maintain the rigid demand in the peak season, mainly for long order purchase, the transaction of bulk order is limited, and the downstream pre-festival reserve database has been basically completed. Overall, consumption is difficult to provide upward momentum for lead prices.

SMM9 March 25 News: since September 23, Shanghai lead contract 2011 contract has fallen one after another, after a brief respite after September 11, this week suddenly dived, the lowest today reported 14695 yuan / ton. As of noon, it closed at 14835 yuan / ton, breaking through the 15000 yuan / ton mark below, and the intraday decline once widened to 2.38%.

From a macro point of view, the differences between the two parties on the scale of the economic stimulus bill in the United States are still huge, and the real landing of the stimulus package is a long way off, making investors worried about the progress of the US economic recovery, and agencies have halved their expectations for US economic growth in the fourth quarter. In addition, Europe has experienced repeated outbreaks, and stricter controls have also dragged down the pace of its economic recovery. In addition, the trade dispute between China and the United States continues, and there are many uncertainties in the market during the National Day holiday, and macro worries put pressure on the metal market.

From the perspective of lead fundamentals, there is also a lack of support.

On the supply side, in terms of primary lead, the production of domestic smelters is stable, the maintenance of smelters has been completed one after another, and production has resumed. In terms of recycled lead, the supply of waste batteries is still tight, the price remains high, and the cost support of recycled lead is the main factor supporting the price of lead. In addition, the mainstream transaction of recycled refined lead left the factory with an average price discount of 200,300 yuan / ton for SMM1# lead, and the follow-up attention was paid to the change of primary regeneration price difference.

On the consumer side, large lead-acid battery enterprises still maintain the rigid demand in the peak season, mainly for long order purchase, the transaction of bulk order is limited, and the downstream pre-festival reserve database has been basically completed. Overall, consumption is difficult to provide upward momentum for lead prices.

SMM believes that there is no bright spot in the current macro sentiment overlay fundamentals, and short-term lead price shocks are expected to weaken.

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
Feb 6, 2026 19:50
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.
Feb 6, 2026 19:50
"Domestic Secondary Crude Lead Market Slows as Holidays Approach, Smelters Halt Production"
Feb 6, 2026 19:49
"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.
Feb 6, 2026 19:49
Sluggish Transactions in Domestic Secondary Crude Lead Market, Prices at 15,250-15,400 Yuan/mt
Feb 6, 2026 19:48
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.
Feb 6, 2026 19:48
[SMM Analysis] has the fundamentals of Shanghai lead suddenly plummeted to cloudy? - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)