SMM, December 27:
As of December 27, according to a survey by Shanghai Metals Market (SMM), the finished product inventories of secondary lead smelting enterprises stood at 3,150 mt, an increase of 20 mt WoW. With the low operating rate of secondary lead smelters, it was difficult for enterprises to accumulate finished product inventories, and overdue orders increased. Additionally, as year-end stockpiling demand from downstream enterprises persisted, large battery producers maintained just-in-time procurement during the week. On Friday, due to a sharp drop in lead prices, some secondary lead suppliers sold off in fear of further declines, while a few smelters, being in a state of shutdown, experienced slower sales of lead ingots. Most downstream enterprises opted to restock at lower prices, leading to an increase in procurement volume. Overall, the finished product inventories showed little change WoW.
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