[Analysis: Tariff Policy Changes Lead to an Export Rush, July Lead-Acid Battery Exports Surge MoM]

Published: Aug 20, 2025 19:34

Source: SMM

Save

[Analysis: Tariff Policy Changes Lead to an Export Rush, July Lead-Acid Battery Exports Surge MoM] SMM reported on August 20th: According to customs data, China's lead-acid battery exports in July 2025 were 21.2866 million units, up 13.56% MoM and down 3.79% YoY...

SMM reported on August 20th: According to customs data, China's lead-acid battery exports in July 2025 were 21.2866 million units, up 13.56% MoM and down 3.79% YoY; the cumulative export volume from January-July 2025 was 134 million units, down 6.17% YoY. In July 2025, China's lead-acid battery imports were 394,100 units, down 18.92% MoM and 18.03% YoY; the cumulative import volume from January-July 2025 was 3.1775 million units, down 0.87% YoY.
In July, both domestic and overseas lead prices showed a pattern of jumping initially and then pulling back. During this period, the SHFE/LME price ratio remained unfavorable for China's lead-acid battery exports. However, the significant MoM increase in lead-acid battery exports in July was mainly due to changes in tariff policies. On one hand, the US "reciprocal tariff" negotiations were set to restart after July, prompting companies involved in re-export trade to accelerate their exports. On the other hand, the Middle East announced the results of its anti-dumping investigation into starting-type lead-acid batteries from China, imposing additional tariffs of 25-70% on related battery exports, leading some companies to rush to export before the tariffs took effect. As a result, despite higher lead material costs compared to overseas markets, China's lead-acid battery exports in July reversed the downward trend seen in the previous two months, recording positive growth. Additionally, it is understood that the new GCC tariffs will take effect in September. Considering the shipping cycle from China to the Middle East, some lead-acid battery companies have already seen a decline in export orders in August, which is expected to weaken subsequent lead-acid battery exports.

lead prices Lead

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

20 hours ago

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.

20 hours ago

"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.

20 hours ago

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.

20 hours ago