Smelter production cuts limit raw material demand, limiting upside room for scrap batteries [SMM Scrap Battery Weekly Review]

Published: Jul 17, 2026 20:44 (GMT+8)

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SMM July 17 news:

This week, scrap battery purchase prices fell sharply alongside lead prices, with recyclers holding inventory and taking a wait-and-see stance, unwilling to sell at low prices. Meanwhile, smelters made only just-in-time procurement of scrap batteries due to weak buying sentiment from downstream battery enterprises, making it difficult to support significant price increases. Looking ahead to next week, attention should be paid to smelter production conditions and their demand for raw materials. If demand remains sluggish, the upside room for scrap battery prices will be very limited.

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