Scrap battery prices fall, while secondary crude lead supply remains tight [SMM Weekly Review of Scrap Battery & Secondary Crude Lead]

SMM August 1 News:

After maintaining stability for a period, the price of waste lead-acid batteries fell this week. Although the market supply remains limited, the downward shift in the price center of lead has made it unsustainable for smelters to continue supporting the firm prices of scrap batteries amid mounting losses. Recyclers, fearing further price drops, are actively reporting the types and quantities of goods to smelters to lock in prices before they fall further. Currently, the mainstream tax-inclusive purchase price for scrap e-bike lead-acid batteries implemented by smelters ranges from 10,100 to 10,250 yuan/mt, with some offering a price guarantee at 10,300 yuan/mt. It is expected that the arrivals of raw materials at smelters may improve briefly next week.

The operating rate of secondary crude lead smelters is low, with some manufacturers still undergoing maintenance. Recently, due to the weak trend in lead prices, there have been few reports of imported crude lead prices, while domestic secondary crude lead prices remain firm. The purchase enthusiasm of refined lead and alloy smelters is also low, and they are currently focusing on digesting inventories.

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