China output of secondary lead fell in May

In May 2024, the output of secondary lead was 320,600 mt, down 14.37% MoM and down 16.9% YoY; the cumulative output of secondary lead from January to May 2024 was 1.6035 million mt, down 8.35% YoY. In May 2024, the output of secondary refined lead was 267,800 mt, down 18.11% MoM and down 19.89% YoY; the cumulative output of secondary refined lead from January to May 2024 was 1.3691 million mt, down 9.54% YoY.

In May, the production of many small and medium-sized smelters improved compared to April, and the resumption of production at Anhui Huaxin and Hebei Xiongtai Recycling Resources contributed to the increase in refined lead output. However, due to raw material shortages, equipment failures, routine maintenance, and environmental protection issues, large secondary lead smelters in Anhui, Hunan, Guangxi, and Jiangxi reduced or halted production, leading to a significant decline in refined lead output. Entering June, the scrapping volume of batteries has not significantly increased, while many enterprises that had previously halted production due to maintenance, certification, or equipment failures are resuming or preparing to resume production, increasing the demand for battery scrap and other lead-containing scrap. The supply of battery scrap will remain tight in the short term. Therefore, for the national refined lead output in June, SMM conservatively estimates an increase of 23,500 mt to 291,400 mt.