The decline in lead prices dampened the enthusiasm of lead smelters for shipments, and primary lead smelter inventories increased again. [SMM Primary Lead Inventory Weekly Review]

        According to reports, as of December 11, the in-factory inventory of primary lead delivery brands reached 13,100 mt, a WoW increase of 1,200 mt.

This week, primary lead smelters saw both maintenance and resumption activities, resulting in relatively small overall supply changes, but regional supply disparities widened. Recently, lead prices showed a volatile pullback, prompting downstream enterprises to adopt a cautious wait-and-see approach, with purchasing enthusiasm weakening WoW. Meanwhile, most smelters held prices firm for shipments, leading to subdued trading in the spot market and a continued rise in smelters' in-factory inventory. Additionally, maintenance at smelters in east China is expected to conclude next week, coinciding with the 2512 contract entering the delivery period. It is anticipated that some smelters may transfer in-factory inventory, thereby easing enterprise inventory pressure.