[SMM Analysis: Weak Consumption Coupled with Supply Recovery, Lead Ingot Social Inventory Stops Falling and Rebounds]

Published: Nov 3, 2025 11:37
Source: SMM
[SMM Analysis: Weak Consumption Coupled with Supply Recovery, Lead Ingot Social Inventory Stops Falling and Rebounds] SMM, November 3: According to SMM, as of November 3, the total social inventory of lead ingots across five regions reached 30,200 mt, a decrease of nearly 200 mt compared to October 27, but an increase of over 300 mt compared to October 30.
SMM, November 3: According to SMM, as of November 3, the total social inventory of lead ingots across five regions reached 30,200 mt, a decrease of nearly 200 mt compared to October 27, but an increase of over 300 mt compared to October 30.

In November, maintenance and production resumptions occurred simultaneously among primary lead and secondary lead enterprises. Some delivery brand enterprises specializing in primary lead are currently undergoing maintenance, while secondary lead smelters in Anhui have gradually resumed production, driving an overall upward trend in supply. Meanwhile, as the SHFE lead 2511 contract approaches delivery, some suppliers intend to ship to delivery warehouses, leading to a transfer of a certain volume of lead ingot inventory. This has caused the social inventory of lead ingots to stop falling and rebound. Additionally, before the delivery is completed, there remains the possibility of invisible inventory transforming into visible inventory. Coupled with expectations of increased production from domestic smelters resuming operations and the arrival of imported lead, the social inventory of lead ingots is expected to have further room for growth.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, other data are processed by SMM based on public information, market communication, and SMM’s internal database model. The 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
Feb 6, 2026 19:50
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.
Feb 6, 2026 19:50
"Domestic Secondary Crude Lead Market Slows as Holidays Approach, Smelters Halt Production"
Feb 6, 2026 19:49
"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.
Feb 6, 2026 19:49
Sluggish Transactions in Domestic Secondary Crude Lead Market, Prices at 15,250-15,400 Yuan/mt
Feb 6, 2026 19:48
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.
Feb 6, 2026 19:48
[SMM Analysis: Weak Consumption Coupled with Supply Recovery, Lead Ingot Social Inventory Stops Falling and Rebounds] - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)