Group 1 - The domestic futures market for non-ferrous metals is mostly in the red, with lead futures showing a downward trend, reaching a low of 17,170.00 yuan/ton and a decline of approximately 2.33% [1] - The current market sentiment indicates a shift towards strong supply and weak demand, with primary lead production recovering as smelters in Hunan and Jiangxi resume operations [1] - The consumption side is experiencing a traditional off-season, with demand for lead-acid batteries not meeting expectations, leading to high inventory levels [1] Group 2 - The lead concentrate processing fees remain low, and the supply of waste batteries is tight, providing some support for lead prices [2] - The overall production of primary lead is stable, while the recovery of recycled lead is limited due to environmental controls in some regions [2] - Battery sales are poor, leading to an accumulation of finished battery inventory, which may result in battery manufacturers reducing their operating rates [2]

1. Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant information provided. 2. Core View of the Report - In the short - term, the supply and demand of lead are both weak, and the low domestic inventory provides some support. The Shanghai lead price may continue to show a volatile trend. Later, as the pressure of imported lead increases and inventory is expected to stop falling and rise, the upward pressure on lead prices will gradually increase. Attention should be paid to the production dynamics of recycled lead and downstream demand [5]. 3. Summary by Related Catalogs 3.1 Fundamental Changes - Processing Fees - In November 2025, China imported 110,000 tons of lead concentrate in physical quantity, a year - on - year increase of 15.8% and a month - on - month increase of 11.7%. The import volume was higher than the average in recent years. The domestic lead concentrate market demand was high in winter, and the domestic mine supply shortage continued. The domestic and foreign lead concentrate processing fees remained stable at a low level. In January, the domestic monthly processing fee was 200 - 400 yuan/ton, flat month - on - month; the imported monthly processing fee was - 160 - - 130 US dollars/dry ton, flat month - on - month. In terms of spot processing fees, the domestic weekly processing fee for lead ore was 250 - 350 yuan/ton, flat week - on - week; the imported weekly processing fee was - 160 - - 130 US dollars/dry ton, flat week - on - week [2]. 3.2 Fundamental Changes - Supply - In November, the national electrolytic lead production increased slightly, a month - on - month increase of 0.49 percentage points and a year - on - year decrease of 1.61 percentage points; the recycled refined lead production increased by 8.5% month - on - month and 10.13% year - on - year. Last week, the operating rate of primary lead smelters in three provinces was 67.3%, a week - on - week increase of 0.2%. Although there was still a supply gap of lead concentrate, the primary lead production resumed after maintenance, and the operating rate remained at a high level. The weekly operating rate of recycled lead in four provinces was 37.6%, a week - on - week decline of 7.8%. In winter, there were frequent haze days, and environmental protection control potentially restricted the output of recycled lead smelters. The scrapping volume of waste lead - acid batteries decreased, and the tight supply of raw materials was difficult to ease. After the holiday, the price of waste batteries increased slightly, the profit margin of recycled lead enterprises narrowed, and the uncertainty of environmental protection disturbances in winter was relatively large, so the supply of recycled lead remained at a low level. Some enterprises actively reduced production. For example, a medium - sized recycled lead smelter in the southwest region planned to reduce production by 20% - 30% in January to cope with raw material pressure. In terms of imports, the Shanghai - London price ratio improved, the import window for refined lead remained open, and the profit increased [3]. 3.3 Fundamental Changes - Consumption - Last week was a holiday, and many battery enterprises had holidays, so the operating rate of lead - acid battery enterprises weakened. The automotive battery was approaching the traditional replacement peak season, while the traditional consumption peak season of electric bicycle batteries was coming to an end. At the beginning of the implementation of the new national standard for electric bicycles, consumers were more cautious, and the production of electric bicycles declined. Coincidentally, some lead - acid battery enterprises had holidays during the New Year's Day holiday, and the weekly operating rate decreased. After the holiday, the terminal consumption was still weak. With relatively strong lead prices, downstream enterprises purchased on demand, the trading volume was relatively limited, the circulation in the spot market was average, and the discount widened slightly [4]. 3.4 Fundamental Changes - Spot - As of the week ending December 31, the domestic lead spot basis discount widened, and the lead spot basis was a discount of 75 yuan last weekend. The LME lead spot remained in a deep discount state, with a discount of - 43.42 US dollars last weekend [4]. 3.5 Fundamental Changes - Inventory - As of the week ending December 31, the LME lead weekly inventory decreased by 6,975 tons to 241,900 tons. The LME inventory had declined for two consecutive weeks from a high level but was still at a high level in recent years; the weekly inventory of lead on the Shanghai Futures Exchange increased by 909 tons to 28,004 tons. As of December 29, the total social inventory of SMM lead ingots in five regions was 17,400 tons, and the inventory rebounded month - on - month, ending three consecutive months of decline, but it was at an absolute low level in the past four years [4].

Report Overview - Report Title: Lead Industry Chain Weekly Report [1] - Analyst: Jixianfei, Chief Analyst of Guotai Junan Futures Research Institute [2] - Date: January 4, 2026 [2] Industry Investment Rating - Not provided in the report Core Viewpoints - The lead market shows a pattern of weak supply and demand. The price is expected to fluctuate, but considering the low inventory, a strategy of buying on dips can be adopted. Attention should also be paid to the positive spread arbitrage between futures contracts [6]. - The supply of primary lead is affected by smelter maintenance, and the supply of recycled lead is restricted by raw material shortages. The demand side is weakening marginally, and the lead price is expected to maintain a volatile trend [6]. Summary by Directory 1. Trading Aspect - **Price and Spread**: The closing price of SHFE Lead Main Contract last week was 17,355 yuan/ton, with a weekly decline of 1.14%. The closing price of LmeS-Lead 3 was 1,946.5 dollars/ton, with a decline of 2.65%. The LME lead premium decreased by 8.73 dollars/ton, and the spread between recycled lead and primary lead decreased by 75 yuan/ton [7]. - **Inventory**: The total inventory of lead in five regions decreased this week, and the absolute inventory is at a historically low level. The SHFE lead inventory and LME lead inventory also showed corresponding changes [3][7]. - **Trading Volume and Open Interest**: The trading volume of SHFE Lead Main Contract increased by 19,189 lots, and the open interest decreased by 10,146 lots. The trading volume of LmeS-Lead 3 increased by 602 lots, and the open interest increased by 6,194 lots [7]. 2. Lead Supply - **Lead Concentrate**: The import volume, production, consumption, and inventory of lead concentrate showed different trends in different years. The profit of imported and domestic lead concentrates also changed over time [31][32]. - **Primary and Recycled Lead**: The production of primary lead and recycled lead showed different trends in different years. The production of recycled lead was restricted by the tight supply of waste batteries [35][36]. 3. Lead Demand - **Lead - Acid Battery**: The operating rate of lead - acid battery enterprises decreased, and the finished - product inventory days of enterprises and dealers increased. The export volume of batteries also showed different trends in different years [49]. - **Terminal Consumption**: The actual consumption of lead and the production of automobiles and motorcycles showed different trends in different years [51].

Report Industry Investment Rating - Not provided Core Viewpoints - The rebound momentum of lead is insufficient, and it may continue to fluctuate. The short - term supply pressure of lead is relieved, and the low domestic inventory continuing to decline is beneficial to lead prices. However, due to the year - end closing of downstream enterprises, weak demand, and the pressure of imported lead inflow, there is a lack of continuous upward momentum in the domestic market. But with the increase in costs, there is strong support at the bottom, so it may move in a fluctuating manner. Later, attention should be paid to the production dynamics of recycled lead and downstream demand [1][5] Summary by Related Catalogs Fundamental Changes - In 2025, China imported 110,000 tons of lead concentrate in physical quantity, a year - on - year increase of 15.8% and a month - on - month increase of 11.7%. The import volume was at the average level in recent years. Due to the high demand in the domestic lead concentrate market in winter, the tight situation at the domestic mine end intensified, and the processing fees of domestic and foreign lead concentrates further declined at low levels [2] - In December, the domestic monthly processing fee was 200 - 400 yuan/ton, a monthly decrease of 50 yuan; the imported monthly processing fee was - 160 - - 130 US dollars/dry ton, a monthly decrease of 20 US dollars. In terms of spot processing fees, the domestic weekly processing fee for lead ore was 250 - 350 yuan/ton, with no change week - on - week; the imported weekly processing fee was - 150 - - 120 US dollars/dry ton, also with no change week - on - week [2] Supply - In November, the national electrolytic lead output increased slightly, a month - on - month increase of 0.49 percentage points and a year - on - year decrease of 1.61 percentage points; the output of recycled refined lead increased by 8.5% month - on - month and 10.13% year - on - year [3] - Last week, the operating rate of primary lead smelters in three provinces was 67.35%, a month - on - month increase of 1.82%. The operating rates in Henan and Hunan remained stable. Some smelters in Hunan mentioned that environmental inspections affected the start - up of crude lead, but the electrolytic volume last week could maintain stable production. It is expected that the electrolytic lead output may decline slightly this week. A medium - large - scale smelter in Yunnan continued to increase production after the end of maintenance, and a small - scale smelter resumed production and slightly increased production. Other smelters maintained normal operation. A smelter in East China that had stopped production for maintenance has not resumed yet and is expected to resume at the end of December [3] - The weekly operating rate of recycled lead in four provinces was 41.61%, a month - on - month decrease of 3.75%. Due to severe air pollution in many places in East and North China last week, environmental management was implemented. Anhui smelting enterprises significantly reduced production, and the regional operating rate decreased by 11.88% month - on - month; the operating rates in Henan and Jiangsu remained the same as last week. A recycled lead smelter in Inner Mongolia temporarily stopped production due to equipment part replacement and resumed normal production last week, and the regional operating rate rebounded, but local smelters said that the pressure on production due to raw material supply shortages still existed [3] - This week, the price of waste batteries continued to rise, the profit of recycled lead enterprises narrowed, and combined with the large environmental protection disturbances of recycled lead, the supply pressure of recycled lead was relieved. In terms of imports, the Shanghai - London price ratio improved, the import window for refined lead remained open, and the profit increased [3] Consumption - Last week, the weekly comprehensive operating rate of lead - acid battery enterprises in five provinces was 74.23%, a month - on - month decrease of 0.41%. Since December, the new national standard for electric bicycles has been officially implemented in the terminal market, but the actual consumption has not improved significantly due to the increase in the weight of the whole vehicle. Instead, due to consumers being in the adaptation period, the sales volume of the whole vehicle declined, dragging down battery consumption. Some lead - acid battery enterprises have slightly reduced production or planned to reduce production, dragging down the operating rate of lead - acid battery enterprises this week [4] - The automotive battery market has entered the traditional consumption peak season. Except for some export - oriented enterprises with poor orders due to factors such as tariffs, the operating rates of other medium - and large - scale enterprises are relatively stable. Near the end of the year, traders and battery enterprises are closing their accounts at the end of the year, and the inventory preparation of battery enterprises for the New Year's Day holiday is average. The spot trading is weak, and most downstream enterprises have stopped purchasing, resulting in low market transactions [4] Spot - As of the week of December 19, the domestic lead spot basis premium increased, and the lead spot basis was at a premium of 130 yuan at the end of last week. The LME lead spot continued to be in a deep discount state, with a discount of - 45.23 US dollars at the end of last week [4] Inventory - As of the week of December 18, the LME lead weekly inventory increased by 23,875 tons to 258,600 tons, and the LME inventory continued to rise from a high level; the weekly inventory of lead on the Shanghai Futures Exchange decreased by 4,352 tons to 27,900 tons. As of December 22, the total social inventory of lead ingots in five places decreased to 19,100 tons, and the inventory continued to decline, reaching an absolute low level in the past four years [4]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the articles indicates that the lead market is experiencing a transition from total supply-demand dynamics to structural differentiation, with a focus on the impact of macroeconomic factors and the energy transition on metal demand [1][2] - The lead price is expected to maintain resilience at the bottom due to low inventory levels and cost rigidity, despite weak demand growth [2] - The current lead market is characterized by a "weak reality" and "strong expectations," with supply constraints from winter production cuts and tight recycled battery supply leading to a rapid decline in social inventory to a five-year low [1] Group 2 - The spot market is in a stalemate, with smelters and battery companies engaged in deep price expectation negotiations, resulting in a significant reduction in scattered transactions [2] - The core contradiction in lead prices has shifted from total supply-demand to "structural shortages," where low inventory and cost rigidity provide bottom support against weak demand growth [2] - Short-term lead prices are expected to remain stable, with macro sentiment improving and supply constraints showing resilience, while terminal demand remains notably differentiated [2]

1. Report Industry Investment Rating - Absolute price: Neutral - Option strategy: Sell wide straddle [3] 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - The global lead concentrate market continues to be in a tight balance. Domestic TC remains low, and the negative processing fee range for imported ores is expanding. Mines are reluctant to sell, leading to passive production cuts at smelters. The domestic primary lead production rate is only 60%, and smelters in Hunan, Yunnan and other places are undergoing maintenance until January. Secondary lead production is limited due to the scarcity of waste battery supplies and limited profit recovery. Overall, the supply elasticity is insufficient. Although the demand is in the off - season for lead - acid batteries, the social inventory has continuously declined to a two - year low, and the spot premium is firm, providing support for prices. It is expected that the current lead price will maintain a volatile pattern. [3] 3. Summary by Relevant Catalogs Market News and Important Data Spot - On December 11, 2025, the LME lead spot premium was -$49.03/ton. The SMM1 lead ingot spot price changed by 100 yuan/ton to 17,075 yuan/ton compared with the previous trading day. The SMM Shanghai lead spot premium changed by 25 yuan/ton to 25.00 yuan/ton. The SMM Guangdong lead spot price changed by 100 yuan/ton to 17,125 yuan/ton. The SMM Henan lead spot price changed by 100 yuan/ton to 17,100 yuan/ton. The SMM Tianjin lead spot premium changed by 100 yuan/ton to 17,100 yuan/ton. The lead concentrate - scrap price difference remained unchanged at -25 yuan/ton. The price of scrap electric vehicle batteries changed by 25 yuan/ton to 9,925 yuan/ton. The price of scrap white shells remained unchanged at 10,075 yuan/ton. The price of scrap black shells changed by 25 yuan/ton to 10,275 yuan/ton. [1] Futures - On December 11, 2025, the main SHFE lead contract opened at 17,155 yuan/ton and closed at 17,155 yuan/ton, a change of 40 yuan/ton from the previous trading day. The trading volume for the whole trading day was 34,885 lots, a change of -1,564 lots from the previous trading day, and the position was 35,754 lots, a change of -3,561 lots from the previous trading day. The intraday price fluctuated, with a maximum of 17,220 yuan/ton and a minimum of 17,070 yuan/ton. In the night session, the main SHFE lead contract opened at 17,115 yuan/ton and closed at 17,120 yuan/ton, a 0.20% decrease from the afternoon close. According to SMM, the SMM1 lead price dropped by 125 yuan/ton from the previous trading day. In Henan, holders' quotes were at a discount of 90 - 50 yuan/ton to the SHFE lead 2601 contract, and the discount narrowed further. In Hunan, the quoted price of lead smelters for the delivery brand was at a premium of 0 - 25 yuan/ton to SMM1 lead. After some smelters sold out their inventory, the trading volume declined. As the lead price weakened, some downstream enterprises made purchases at low prices, but smelters generally delivered goods through long - term contracts, and the trading volume of spot contracts was relatively light. [2] Inventory - On December 11, 2025, the total SMM lead ingot inventory was 21,000 tons, unchanged from the previous week. As of December 11, the LME lead inventory was 235,475 tons, a decrease of 75 tons from the previous trading day. [2]

Report Title and Date - The report is titled "Non-ferrous Metals Weekly - Lead" and dated December 9, 2025 [1][2] Report Industry Investment Rating - Not mentioned in the provided content Core Viewpoints of the Report - The fundamentals of lead have improved, and lead prices have stabilized and rebounded. Domestic lead ingot supply has tightened regionally, downstream consumption has improved, and with a positive macro - mood, lead prices have gradually stabilized and rebounded. The market is mainly dominated by long - term order purchases, and there is a strong wait - and - see attitude towards spot orders. It is expected that lead prices will maintain a range - bound trend in the short term. Attention should be paid to the inventory pressure brought by delivery and position transfer, and be wary of lead prices rising and then falling [3] Summary by Relevant Catalogs 1. Market Review - **Price Changes**: The average price of SMM1 lead ingots increased by 1.18% week - on - week to 17,175 yuan/ton, the closing price of the Shanghai lead main contract increased by 1.17% to 17,290 yuan/ton, and the LME lead closing price (electronic trading) increased by 1.41% to 2,009 US dollars/ton [13] 2. Supply - Side Analysis 2.1 Lead Concentrate - **Processing Fees**: The domestic lead concentrate processing fee remained flat week - on - week at 300 yuan/metal ton, and the imported lead concentrate processing fee remained flat at - 135 US dollars/dry ton. The tight supply of lead concentrate is expected to continue, and the TC quotation is stable with a weakening trend [30] - **Smelter Profits**: As of November 28, the smelter profit (excluding by - product revenues such as zinc and copper) was 452.1 yuan/ton [30] 2.2 Primary Lead - **Operating Rate**: The primary lead operating rate increased by 0.1 percentage points to 65.92%. There are still some smelters with maintenance plans in the future, and it is expected that the primary lead operating rate will not increase significantly [31] - **Production and Maintenance**: The total weekly production of major deliverable primary lead smelting enterprises in the week of December 5 was 46,560 tons, and it is expected to be 46,710 tons this week. Some enterprises in Yunnan resumed production after maintenance, while some enterprises in Anhui and Jiangxi had regular maintenance [36] 2.3 Recycled Lead - **Scrap Battery Prices**: As of December 5, the average price of scrap batteries was 9,875 yuan/ton, a week - on - week decrease of 25 yuan/ton. The scrap battery supply has tightened, and prices are expected to have limited decline [45] - **Smelter Profits**: As of December 5, the comprehensive profit of large - scale recycled lead enterprises was 363 yuan/ton, and that of small - and medium - scale enterprises was 155 yuan/ton. Profits have improved, but attention should be paid to the impact of raw material price increases on profits [50] - **Inventory and Operating Rate**: As of December 4, recycled lead raw material inventory decreased, and the finished product inventory was 1,480 tons and continued to decline. The recycled lead enterprise operating rate decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 48.4%. Some enterprises in Inner Mongolia may stop production due to raw material shortages, which may drive a significant decline in the local operating rate [53][56] 3. Demand - Side Analysis - **Lead - Acid Battery Operating Rate**: The lead - acid battery operating rate increased by 1.07 percentage points to 74.46%. Some large enterprises have improved their production enthusiasm, and the consumption of automotive lead - acid batteries has improved in December, driving the operating rate to rise [64] 4. Import and Export Analysis - As of November 28, the refined lead export loss was about 3,200 yuan/ton. As of December 5, the import profit was 157.21 yuan/ton, and the import profit window has opened [77] 5. Inventory Analysis - **Lead Ingot Inventory**: As of December 4, the total social inventory of lead ingots in five regions was 2.36 million tons, showing a decline; the factory inventory of major deliverable primary lead brands was 11,850 tons, a week - on - week increase. The social inventory decreased while the factory inventory increased [88] - **Exchange Inventory**: As of December 5, the SHFE refined lead inventory was 34,700 tons, a week - on - week decrease; as of December 4, the LME inventory was 243,550 tons, also showing a decrease [93] - **Monthly Supply - Demand Balance Sheet**: It shows the production, import, export, consumption, and inventory data of primary lead and recycled lead from July 2024 to August 2025 [94]

1. Report Industry Investment Rating - Not provided in the content 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - The lead market is currently in a state where primary lead smelters are in a concentrated maintenance phase, while the profit of secondary lead has expanded and production has increased rapidly. At the consumer end, large lead - acid battery enterprises are ramping up production at the end of the year, which is expected to continue to support lead prices. The lead price is expected to be volatile and bullish, with a price range of 17,150 - 17,500 yuan/ton, and the overall strength analysis is neutral. The total inventory of lead in five regions has decreased, and the absolute inventory is at a historically low level for the same period. [3][7] - In terms of trading strategies, for the unilateral strategy, it is recommended that existing long positions be retained, while new long positions should be entered with caution, and attention should be paid to the profit changes of secondary lead. For the spread strategy, as the domestic lead inventory continues to decline, attention can be paid to the term positive arbitrage opportunities. [7] 3. Summary According to Relevant Catalogs 3.1 Trading Aspect: Price, Spread, Inventory, Capital, Transaction, and Position - **Price**: The closing price of SHFE lead last week was 17,290 yuan/ton, with a weekly increase of 1.17%, and the closing price of the night session yesterday was 17,305 yuan/ton, with a night - session increase of 0.09%; the closing price of LmeS - lead3 last week was 2,005 US dollars/ton, with a weekly increase of 1.21% [8]. - **Spread**: The LME lead basis decreased by 7.21 to - 49.15; the bonded area lead premium remained unchanged at 95; the Shanghai 1 lead spot basis increased by 5 to 25; the secondary lead - primary lead spread decreased by 50 to - 50. The spread between the near - month and the first - consecutive contract increased by 25 to - 10 [8]. - **Inventory**: The SHFE lead warrant inventory decreased by 10,182 to 16,078 tons; the SHFE lead total inventory decreased by 3,064 to 34,735 tons; the social inventory decreased by 11,400 to 23,600 tons; the LME lead inventory decreased by 19,625 to 243,550 tons, and the proportion of cancelled warrants decreased by 3.80% to 48.95% [8]. - **Transaction and Position**: The trading volume of SHFE lead last Friday was 44,508 lots, an increase of 1,089 compared with the previous week, and the position was 44,944 lots, a decrease of 2,978 compared with the previous week; the trading volume of LmeS - lead3 last Friday was 6,646 lots, an increase of 1,366 compared with the previous week, and the position was 142,000 lots, an increase of 6,194 compared with the previous week [8]. 3.2 Lead Supply: Lead Concentrate, Waste Batteries, Primary Lead, and Secondary Lead - **Lead Concentrate**: The import volume, inventory, actual consumption, and production volume of lead concentrate from 2021 to 2025 are presented in the form of charts. The import TC and domestic TC of lead concentrate, as well as the profit of imported and domestic lead concentrates, are also shown. The lead concentrate operating rate from 2021 to 2025 is also provided [29][30][31]. - **Primary Lead and Secondary Lead**: The production volume and weekly operating rate of primary lead from 2021 to 2025 are presented. The production volume of primary lead + secondary lead and secondary lead, as well as the operating rate of secondary lead from 2021 to 2025 are also shown. The by - product output of silver and the price of 1 silver are presented, along with the price of 98% sulfuric acid in East China [33][34][36]. - **Waste Batteries and Secondary Lead**: The raw material inventory of secondary lead smelting enterprises from 2021 to 2025 is presented. The price of waste electric vehicle batteries, the cost and profit of secondary lead from 2021 to 2025 are also shown. The net import of refined lead, the monthly import volume of Chinese lead ingots, the import profit and loss, and the export volume of lead ingots from 2021 to 2025 are presented [39][40][43]. 3.3 Lead Demand: Lead - Acid Batteries and Terminal - **Batteries**: The operating rate of lead batteries from 2021 to 2025 is presented, along with the monthly finished - product inventory days of lead - battery enterprises and dealers. The export volume of batteries from 2021 to 2025 is also shown [47]. - **Consumption and Terminal**: The actual consumption volume of lead from 2021 to 2025 is presented, along with the monthly production volume of automobiles and motorcycles from 2021 to 2025 [49].

Core Viewpoint - The lead market is experiencing a mixed situation with a decline in lead prices leading to improved downstream purchasing activity, while tight raw material supply continues to restrict smelter operations [1][4]. Group 1: Supply and Demand Dynamics - Lead ingot supply has gradually recovered since mid-November, but high lead prices have suppressed downstream purchasing, resulting in a price decline from previous highs [1]. - The lead concentrate market remains tight, with processing fees at historically low levels. Domestic smelters have begun winter stockpiling, but the import window for lead concentrate has not fully opened [2]. - Domestic lead concentrate resources are nearly sold out due to rising silver prices, leading to sparse market quotes and low processing fees. However, the arrival of previously contracted imports has alleviated some raw material shortages [2]. Group 2: Market Behavior and Trends - The willingness of traders to sell has improved as many domestic recycled lead smelters have shifted to a multi-raw material production model, reducing their reliance on waste batteries [3]. - Despite a decline in processing fees, the prices of by-products like sulfuric acid and silver remain high, keeping overall profits for smelters relatively strong [3]. - The downstream market for electric bicycle batteries is experiencing a downturn, while the automotive battery market is entering a peak replacement season, leading to increased production rates among larger enterprises [4]. Group 3: Future Outlook - The lead market is expected to see a regional tightening of supply as primary lead smelters enter maintenance phases, while recycled lead smelters maintain stable operating rates if raw material arrivals remain consistent [4]. - The recent decline in lead prices has led to a recovery in downstream purchasing enthusiasm, with lead ingot inventories decreasing [4]. - The tight supply of raw materials is unlikely to improve significantly, which will continue to restrict smelter operations and limit the downward potential for lead prices [4].

1. Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant content provided. 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - After the delivery of the SHFE lead 2511 contract ended, some delivered lead returned to the spot market, causing lead prices to fluctuate and decline. With no obvious improvement in consumption and a slight weakening of cost - side support, it is expected that lead prices will fluctuate weakly in the short term, but the downside space is limited. Previous short positions should pay attention to profit protection. Continued attention should be paid to the impact of raw material arrivals on smelter operations [3]. 3. Summary According to the Table of Contents 1.1 Market Review - The average price of SMM 1 lead ingots decreased by 2.01% month - on - month to 17,075 yuan/ton. The closing price of the SHFE lead main contract decreased by 1.89% to 17,165 yuan/ton. The LME lead closing price (electronic trading) dropped by 3.73% to 1,989 US dollars/ton [15]. 2.1 Tight Ore Supply Pattern Persists, TC Declining - The domestic lead concentrate processing fee remained flat month - on - month at 350 yuan/metal ton, and the imported lead concentrate processing fee remained flat at - 135 US dollars/dry ton. The expectation of tight ore supply remains unchanged, and due to the high - level volatility of precious metal prices, the TC quotation is stable but trending downwards. Smelter profits are good, and as of November 14, the smelter profit (excluding by - product revenues such as zinc and copper) was 308.2 yuan/ton [38]. 2.2 Primary Lead Operating Rate Slightly Increased to 67.7% - The primary lead operating rate increased slightly month - on - month to 67.7%. The production of major deliverable brands of primary lead in China showed certain changes, with the total weekly production of major deliverable primary lead smelters being 49,850 tons in the week of November 14, 49,550 tons in the week of November 21, and an expected 49,650 tons this week [39][44]. 3.1 Scrap Battery Prices Weakened - As of November 21, the average price of scrap batteries was 9,975 yuan/ton, a month - on - month decrease of 50 yuan/ton. During the week, lead prices fluctuated and declined, and some smelters lowered their scrap battery quotes, weakening the cost support. Considering that battery scrapping is gradually entering the off - season and the number of recyclers is decreasing, it is expected that scrap battery prices may have an upward adjustment expectation [53]. 3.1 Recycled Lead Smelter Profits Declined - As of November 21, the comprehensive profit and loss of large - scale recycled lead enterprises was 169 yuan/ton, and that of small - and medium - scale recycled lead enterprises was - 43 yuan/ton. The decline in lead prices from a high level and the limited decline in scrap battery prices squeezed the profits of recycled lead smelters [59]. 3.2 Recycled Lead Raw Material Inventory Increased, Finished Product Inventory Decreased - As of November 20, the recycled lead raw material inventory was 158,900 tons, showing a month - on - month increase, and the recycled lead finished product inventory was 2,380 tons. Currently, the restarted recycled lead enterprises are still in the production ramping - up stage, and due to long - term order deliveries, the volume of spot goods is limited. Downstream enterprises maintain just - in - time replenishment, making it difficult to accumulate recycled lead finished product inventory [62]. 3.3 Recycled Lead Operating Rate Increased - The recycled lead enterprise operating rate increased by 2.3 percentage points month - on - month to 50.5%. As of last Friday, the weekly production of recycled lead was 60,100 tons, showing an increase. The environmental control in Henan was lifted, and raw material arrivals improved, leading to an increase in the local operating rate. This week, considering that a smelter in Anhui needs to temporarily stop production for the replacement of its hazardous waste business license, the smelter operating rate will decline [65]. 4 Lead Battery Operating Rate Remained Stable - The lead battery operating rate remained flat month - on - month at 70.56%. There was no obvious change in the terminal market, and the battery operating rate was stable. By segment, the electric bicycle battery market weakened, the electric tricycle battery market was okay, and the automotive battery market was stable. Before the recovery of new orders, it is expected that battery enterprises will maintain a production - to - order model [73]. 5 Import Profit Window May Open - As of November 14, the refined lead export loss was about 2,900 yuan/ton. As of November 21, the import profit was 10.51 yuan/ton, and the import profit window may open [84]. 6.1 Lead Ingot Inventory Declined - As of November 20, the total social inventory of lead ingots in five locations was 37,700 tons, showing a decline. The inventory of major deliverable brands of primary lead at the factory was 6,380 tons, showing a month - on - month decline. After the delivery, lead ingots returned to the spot market, and downstream enterprises made just - in - time purchases after the decline in lead prices, leading to inventory depletion [97]. 6.2 SHFE Inventory Decreased, LME Inventory Increased - As of November 21, the SHFE refined lead inventory was 38,900 tons, showing a month - on - month decrease. As of November 20, the LME inventory was 262,850 tons, showing an increase [100]. 6.3 Monthly Supply - Demand Balance Sheet - The report provides the monthly supply - demand balance sheet for lead from July 2024 to August 2025, including data on primary lead production, recycled lead production, exports, imports, apparent consumption, actual consumption, and comprehensive inventory [101].