Core Viewpoint - Lead prices are experiencing an independent upward trend despite a strong US dollar and a pullback in US stocks, supported by macroeconomic sentiment and industrial policies [1] Group 1: Supply and Demand Dynamics - Supply side is significantly contracting due to early winter breaks in high-altitude mines and concentrated maintenance in smelting plants in regions like Hunan and Yunnan, leading to a marginal reduction in primary lead supply [1] - Recycled lead raw material inventory (waste batteries) is at a historical low, making winter replenishment difficult and limiting the supply recovery from the recycling sector [1] - Demand is supported by the resumption of operations in lead-acid battery enterprises post-holiday, with replenishment needs being released, despite some weakening in new orders for electric bicycles due to new national standards [1] Group 2: Inventory Levels - Social lead ingot inventory is at historically low levels, with holders reluctant to sell, which effectively strengthens price support [2] Group 3: Industry Structure and Leaders - The industry chain is characterized by a "tight upstream, changing midstream, and stable downstream" structure, with upstream mining being tight and processing fees being low [3] - The midstream smelting industry is accelerating its green circular transformation, leading to increased concentration [3] - Industry leader Yuguang Group is expected to exceed 100 billion in revenue by 2025, transitioning from traditional smelting to high-purity metals and semiconductor materials, reflecting the industry's high-end development direction [3] Group 4: Price Outlook - In the short term, the low inventory and tight supply situation are unlikely to reverse quickly, with lead prices expected to maintain a strong oscillating trend, projected to operate within the range of 17,400 to 17,500 yuan/ton [4] - The upward potential is limited by the downstream's acceptance of high prices and the absence of explosive demand growth, with close attention needed on the resumption progress of smelting plants and fluctuations in the macro US dollar index [4]
长江有色:宏观暖意及供需偏紧提振 14日铅价或小涨
Xin Lang Cai Jing·2026-01-14 03:05