The supply-demand imbalance of secondary crude lead has relatively eased, while the supply of scrap batteries remains tight [SMM Scrap Battery & Secondary Crude Lead Weekly Review]

SMM May 30 report:

This week, the mainstream price of tax-excluded scrap e-bike lead-acid batteries in the market was 9,900 yuan/mt. According to individual large secondary lead smelters in east China, the recent daily arrivals of raw materials were less than 100 mt. Amid the weak lead price trend, smelters raised their raw material purchase prices to maintain production, which increased operational pressure. On Friday, lead prices plummeted, and most secondary lead smelters actively lowered their purchase prices, expected to be implemented from tomorrow. Additionally, individual enterprises indicated that if market conditions do not improve after the Dragon Boat Festival, they will consider halting production for maintenance.

Due to limited sales orders from downstream battery producers, the demand for lead alloys is constrained. Furthermore, some alloy smelters are currently in a state of suspension. Under these market conditions, the supply-demand imbalance for secondary crude lead has relatively eased. As of May 30, 2025, the mainstream tax-excluded price of secondary crude lead ranged from 15,500 to 15,650 yuan/mt.

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