Secondary Lead: Downstream Battery Producers Fear Price Declines in the Future Market, Adopting a Cautious Approach to Spot Order Purchases [SMM Lead Midday Review]

Published: May 22, 2025 11:59
[SMM Lead Midday Review: Downstream Battery Producers Wary of Future Price Declines, Cautious Sentiment in Refined Lead Spot Order Purchases] SMM reported on May 22: Today, the SMM 1# lead average price fell by 100 yuan/mt from yesterday to 16,625 yuan/mt, with a price difference between primary metal and scrap of 50 yuan/mt. The trading sentiment in the secondary lead market remained relatively small, with few quotations from enterprises. The ex-factory quotations (tax-included) were mainly quoted at discounts of 50-0 yuan/mt against the SMM 1# lead average price, with a few sources quoted at a discount of 140 yuan/mt.

SMM May 22 News:

Today, the SMM 1# lead average price dropped by 100 yuan/mt from yesterday to 16,625 yuan/mt, with a price difference between primary metal and scrap of 50 yuan/mt. The trading sentiment in the secondary lead market remained relatively unchanged, with few quotations from enterprises. The ex-factory tax-inclusive quotations were mainly quoted at discounts of 50-0 yuan/mt against the SMM 1# lead average price, with individual supplies quoted at a discount of 140 yuan/mt. Downstream battery producers were cautious about purchasing due to fears of further price declines in the future market. Trading of refined lead supplies at large discounts improved slightly, with some secondary lead enterprises reporting that trading volume exceeded 150 mt today.

》Subscribe to view historical SMM metal spot prices

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