Bullish and bearish factors intertwine, and the lead futures trend maintains a fluctuating trend [SMM Lead Morning News]

Published: Jul 23, 2026 07:28

SMM July 23 News:

Overnight, LME lead opened at $1,872.5/mt, drifted lower to a low of $1,863/mt during the Asian session; after entering the European session, bears reduced positions, and LME lead climbed to a high of $1,898.5/mt late in the session, finally closing at $1,893/mt, up 1.34%.

Overnight, the most-traded SHFE lead 2609 contract opened higher with a gap at 15,790 yuan/mt, consolidated around 15,815 yuan/mt, with a high of 15,850 yuan/mt and a low of 15,770 yuan/mt during the session, finally closing at 15,820 yuan/mt, up 0.6%.

Recently, some primary lead smelters have maintenance plans, and new and expanded capacities of secondary lead smelters have been put into operation. Weak consumption in the lead market, combined with supply pressure, led to widening spot discounts; meanwhile, high inventory outside China weighed on the upside of lead prices, keeping prices under pressure in the short term. The market has entered a gaming stage, and lead prices will mainly consolidate on a weak note.

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 for 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
[SMM Flash] New Liquid Sulphur Cargo Arrives at Weifang Port
23 mins ago
[SMM Flash] New Liquid Sulphur Cargo Arrives at Weifang Port
Read More
[SMM Flash] New Liquid Sulphur Cargo Arrives at Weifang Port
[SMM Flash] New Liquid Sulphur Cargo Arrives at Weifang Port
Recently, the liquid sulphur vessel Eastern Poseidon has berthed and commenced cargo operations at Weifang Port. The vessel has a full load capacity of 4,914 tons. It departed from Yokkaichi Port, Japan on July 16, carrying approximately 3,000 tons of liquid sulphur.
23 mins ago
[SMM Flash]Kazakhstan opens new access to the Indian Ocean, unlocking export potential for sulphur
1 hour ago
[SMM Flash]Kazakhstan opens new access to the Indian Ocean, unlocking export potential for sulphur
Read More
[SMM Flash]Kazakhstan opens new access to the Indian Ocean, unlocking export potential for sulphur
[SMM Flash]Kazakhstan opens new access to the Indian Ocean, unlocking export potential for sulphur
Kazakhstan and Iran have signed a 27-year cooperation agreement to build a dedicated logistics terminal at Shahid Rajaee Port. The facility is scheduled to be completed within two years and commence commercial operations in the third year. The project opens an outbound shipping route connecting to the Persian Gulf, South Asia, Southeast Asia and East Africa, strengthens the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC), and expands export channels for Kazakh sulphur. In the medium to long term, it is expected to unleash Kazakhstan’s sulphur export capacity and reshape regional sulphur trade flows. Notes: The project is currently at the agreement signing stage and construction has not yet started. At least two years remain before commissioning; impacts will materialise over the long run with no immediate supply disruption. Geopolitical risks: Uncertainties surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and the situation in Iran may affect project progress. Transport route: Sulphur will need to be transported via the Caspian Sea or overland across Central Asia and inland Iran to reach the port. Customs clearance and freight stability along the entire cross-border overland corridor remain subject to variables.
1 hour ago
Expectations for Peak Consumption Season Remain Weak, Lead Prices Consolidate on a Weak Note [SMM Lead Morning Brief]
3 hours ago
Expectations for Peak Consumption Season Remain Weak, Lead Prices Consolidate on a Weak Note [SMM Lead Morning Brief]
Read More
Expectations for Peak Consumption Season Remain Weak, Lead Prices Consolidate on a Weak Note [SMM Lead Morning Brief]
Expectations for Peak Consumption Season Remain Weak, Lead Prices Consolidate on a Weak Note [SMM Lead Morning Brief]
3 hours ago
Register to Continue Reading
Gain access to the latest insights in metals and new energy
Already have an account?Sign in here
Bullish and bearish factors intertwine, and the lead futures trend maintains a fluctuating trend [SMM Lead Morning News] - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)