Operating rates at lead-acid battery makers unchanged at 74.59% this week

M2i Global, Inc. and Volato Group, Inc., together with Regenerate Technology Global, have formed a strategic partnership announced on April 20, 2026, to develop and deploy advanced battery recycling technology in the United States. The new approach is designed to be much more efficient and environmentally friendly, reducing energy use by more than 80% and cutting greenhouse gas emissions by around 90% compared to conventional smelting processes. It can process different types of batteries, including lithium-ion, lead-acid, and alkaline, and enhances recycled “black mass” to produce high-purity materials suitable for new battery manufacturing more quickly and efficiently.

[SMM Analysis] Why Has LME Lead Shifted Back to Backwardation for the First Time in Nearly a Year? SMM, April 21 — Since late March, London lead prices have stabilized after bottoming out, gradually holding above the $1,900/mt level and entering an upward trend, attempting to approach the $2,000/mt mark.

Highlights of Future price: During the Asian session, LME lead 3M opened at $1,968/t and moved steadily higher, touching an intraday high of $1,982/t on mild buying interest. It closed at $1,981/t, up $8 (+0.35%). Gains remained modest, with relatively thin trading activity and cautious market sentiment. Highlights of the Asia lead market: Spot trading of refined lead remains quiet, and production is moderate due to rising energy and gas costs. For battery companies, final product prices have remained relatively stable without significant increases, as they benefit from economies of scale in mass production. However, most manufacturers expect refined lead prices to continue rising, which could impact their next round of long-term contract negotiations