SMM's Is Thrilled to Launch Downstream Lead Inventory Index, Which Can Be Used as A Gauge of the Health of Lead Market

Published: Aug 1, 2025 21:05
Source: SMM
A Diagnosis of the "Health" of the Lead Market: SMM's Heavyweight Launch of the Downstream Lead Inventory Index [SMM Analysis] SMM News on August 1: Inventory is defined as the various materials and resources reserved by enterprises or organizations during the production and operation process to meet production, sales, or consumption needs.

SMM News on August 1: Inventory is defined as the various materials and resources reserved by enterprises or organizations during the production and operation process to meet production, sales, or consumption needs. Inventory also serves as a signal light for the supply-demand relationship. In the lead industry chain, it represents the dynamic balance result of supply and demand and is also a leading indicator for future price movements. The SMM Lead Research Team has meticulously constructed a monthly/weekly finished product inventory index system for downstream enterprises and dealers, closely tracking consumption dynamics in the lead market and committing to monitoring inventory dynamics in a multi-dimensional and multi-frequency manner, unlocking the transformation from static data to dynamic competitive advantages for you!

I. Absolute Value and Days of Downstream Inventory: How to Calculate
1. Methodology for Constructing SMM's Monthly Finished Product Inventory Index for Lead-Acid Battery Enterprises:
SMM's monthly finished product inventory for lead-acid battery enterprises = (absolute value of monthly production of lead-acid battery enterprises / number of days in the calendar month) * days of inventories for lead-acid battery enterprises. This index is derived through processing by SMM based on market exchanges and relying on SMM's internal database model.
2. Methodology for Constructing SMM's Monthly Days of Finished Product Inventory Index for Lead-Acid Battery Enterprises:
SMM's monthly days of finished product inventory for lead-acid battery enterprises = (absolute value of monthly inventory of lead-acid battery enterprises / absolute value of monthly production of lead-acid battery enterprises) * number of days in the calendar month. This index is derived through processing by SMM based on market exchanges and relying on SMM's internal database model.
SMM's monthly days of finished product inventory for lead-acid battery dealers. This index is derived through processing by SMM based on market exchanges and relying on SMM's internal database model.

II. Downstream Inventory: Usage Scenarios
Four-Stage Model (Taking the Lead Price Upswing Cycle as an Example):
1. Passive Destocking of Finished Products by Downstream Enterprises:
· Lead consumption recovery accelerates downstream raw material cargo pick-up.
· Finished product inventory declines, but enterprises do not increase production → prices bottom out and rebound.
2. Active Inventory Building by Downstream Enterprises:
· Enterprises anticipate sustained demand → expand raw material procurement.
· Inventory and prices rise simultaneously → bull market accelerates.
3. Passive Restocking of Finished Products by Downstream Enterprises:
· Demand peaks and pulls back → inventory accumulation due to production inertia.
· Prices stagnate → inflection point warning.
4. Active Destocking of Finished Products by Downstream Enterprises:
· Enterprises cut production and promote sales → inventory and prices fall simultaneously → bear market deepens.

III. Inventory Cycle Index: Release Time
Regular updates on monthly exports (the fifth working day of each month)
Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market exchanges, and relying on SMM's internal database models. These data are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making advice.

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
15 hours ago
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.
15 hours ago
"Domestic Secondary Crude Lead Market Slows as Holidays Approach, Smelters Halt Production"
15 hours ago
"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.
15 hours ago
Sluggish Transactions in Domestic Secondary Crude Lead Market, Prices at 15,250-15,400 Yuan/mt
15 hours ago
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.
15 hours ago