Lead Prices First Declined Then Rose, Downstream Enterprise Procurement Improved in the Second Half of the Week [SMM Lead-Acid Battery Market Weekly Review]

[SMM Data: Complete Summary of SMM March 2026 Import and Export Data] SMM March 2026 import and export data showed: copper cathode net imports were lower YoY; primary aluminum imports reached 255,000 mt, up 14.8% YoY; refined lead imports surged significantly; zinc ingot imports were up 220% MoM; tin ore imports were up 122% YoY; silver imports were up 93% MoM; steel exports rebounded MoM; PV module export value was up 122.7% MoM; silicon metal exports were up 43% MoM, and magnesium exports hit a multi-year high. Among new energy materials, exports of LiPF6 and artificial graphite surged significantly.

Ho Chi Minh City has issued a revised price list for calculating resource tax, effective from February 10, 2026. The framework covers various natural resources, including key base metals such as lead, zinc, copper, tin, and nickel. Under Vietnam’s resource tax system, metallic minerals are subject to tax rates ranging from around 10% to 40%, with lead and zinc typically taxed at about 15%. The updated pricing mechanism aims to better reflect market fluctuations and improve valuation accuracy when transaction prices are unclear or inconsistent. This may impact cost structures for domestic producers and exporters of base metals and supports Vietnam’s broader effort to enhance transparency and standardization in mineral pricing.

Highlights of LME Future price: Market trading at $1,961/t, up $13.50 (+0.69%) on the day. Prices opened at $1,950.5/t and moved higher, briefly touching high of $1,965.5/t before stabilizing. The upward momentum suggests short-term buying interest, although gains remain relatively moderate. Highlights of China lead market: In the remelted lead market, tight supply persisted as recyclers were reluctant to sell at lower price levels, leading to reduced spot trading activity. On the demand side, downstream buyers mainly procured on demand-basis, while others remained on the sidelines awaiting the commencement of new monthly contracts. Overall, spot trading remained subdued, balancing firm supply-side pricing with slightly weaker downstream demand.