Lead prices are sluggish, and scrap battery remains in a weak stalemate.

SMM, July 24 – Expectations for secondary refined lead are diverging between upstream and downstream, and the market direction is unclear. Smelters are becoming cautious in purchasing scrap batteries, leaving limited room for purchase price adjustments. The supply of scrap batteries in the market is tight, and suppliers are unwilling to sell at low prices while waiting for market clarity. Downstream smelters are only restocking to meet rigid demand and have no plans to purchase large quantities of materials for now. Both the supply and demand sides are adopting a wait-and-see approach. In the short term, scrap battery prices are consolidating without clear drivers.