Demand for Waste Lead-Acid Batteries Increases, Prices Rise, and Secondary Crude Lead Prices Remain Firm [SMM Scrap Battery & Secondary Crude Lead Weekly Review]

SMM Oct. 10:

According to SMM, during the Mid-Autumn Festival & National Day holiday, limited arrivals of waste lead-acid batteries were reported by smelters, as most recyclers suspended supply for the holiday and highways were congested. In addition, production resumptions at large secondary lead smelters in east China increased the demand for raw materials, pushing up scrap battery prices. The mainstream market price for scrap e-bike lead-acid batteries with tax stood at 9,900-10,100 yuan/mt. Market participants will keep a close watch on the impact of secondary lead smelters' production resumptions on raw material prices.

Domestic secondary crude lead prices showed strong resistance to declines due to scarce supply. When the most-traded SHFE lead contract plunged before the holiday, leading to a drop in spot lead prices, offers for domestic secondary crude lead did not follow with significant decreases. After the holiday, lead prices maintained a fluctuating trend, while secondary crude lead prices remained firm but with a noticeably smaller change than secondary refined lead. As of Oct. 10, 2025, the mainstream ex-factory price for secondary crude lead was 15,750-15,850 yuan/mt.

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