Scrap battery recyclers sell off in fear of price drops, importing crude lead to supplement the domestic market [SMM Weekly Review of Scrap Battery & Secondary Crude Lead]

SMM News on July 18:

The scrap volume in the scrap battery market has remained relatively stable. This week, due to the continuous decline in lead prices, smelters have lowered their raw material procurement quotes. Recyclers, fearing further price drops, have sold off their inventory, supplementing the raw material inventory of smelters. Currently, the mainstream procurement price for tax-free scrap e-bike lead-acid battery scrap among smelters ranges from 10,000 to 10,050 yuan/mt, with some enterprises offering a price guarantee near 10,070 yuan/mt until Friday this week.

The supply of secondary crude lead in the market is scarce, and smelters have basically no spot orders for shipment. As of July 18, 2025, the mainstream tax-free domestic secondary crude lead price is reported to be around 15,850 yuan/mt. Imported crude lead from overseas (containing minor metals) is currently quoted on par with or at a small premium against the SMM #1 lead average price for self pick-up at the port.

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