Scrap Battery Arrivals Rebound, Expectations for Smelter Purchase Price Cuts Next Week Strengthen [SMM Scrap Battery Weekly Review]

Published: Apr 24, 2026 15:38

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SMM April 24 News:

Lead prices shifted from fluctuating at highs to pulling back sharply this week, with notable futures fluctuations. Scrap battery purchase prices showed regional divergence, with some smelters in east China and central China lowering their quotes at the beginning of the week, while other regions remained largely stable.

As lead prices continued to weaken and smelter price adjustments took effect, recyclers rushed to make shipments in a panic. Smelter scrap battery arrivals rebounded significantly WoW this week. At the current stage, smelters have accelerated their restocking pace, with raw material demand gradually materializing. Combined with the continued weak trend in lead prices, expectations for smelters to lower scrap battery purchase prices next week have strengthened.

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