On March 20 in Beijing, the Department of Energy Conservation and Comprehensive Utilization of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology organized relevant enterprises, including China Resources Recycling Group and Guangdong Brunp Recycling Technology Co., Ltd., as well as research institutions such as the China Automotive Technology and Research Center and the CCID Research Institute, to discuss work related to building a recycling and utilization system for retired power batteries from NEVs. The meeting conducted an in-depth analysis of the current situation facing the development of the NEV power battery recycling and utilization system, and held serious discussions on issues including innovating policy supply, improving recycling mechanisms, and refining the standards system. The participating representatives unanimously stated that they would integrate local and enterprise practices, build consensus and synergy, carry out in-depth research on major issues in the development of an integrated recycling network, strengthen policy reserves, and accelerate the improvement of the NEV power battery recycling and utilization system.

On March 25, the SMM average price of battery-grade nickel sulphate remained stable.

From March 11 to 13, 2026, the 14th InterBattery 2026 was held at the COEX Convention & Exhibition Center in Seoul, South Korea. As the largest and most representative battery industry exhibition in South Korea, it is on par with China’s CIBF and CLNB.

SMM News: As of March 20, 2026, the market price for Praseodymium-Neodymium (Pr-Nd) metal in China stabilized temporarily at 890,000–910,000 RMB/ton. This article utilizes the SMM Pr-Nd Terminal Demand Calculation Model to dissect the demand logic for 2026 across three core sectors—New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles, and Wind Power—explaining the current supply-demand dilemma facing the NdFeB magnet and broader Pr-Nd markets.

SMM News, March 23: The most-traded SHFE lead 2605 contract opened at around 16,390 yuan/mt during the day. After the opening, bulls remained strong, pushing SHFE lead prices sharply higher to an intraday high of 16,500 yuan/mt. Prices then dropped back slightly and fluctuate rangebound in the 16,440-16,470 yuan/mt range, overall holding up well. During the session, the price center of SHFE lead moved lower, touching a low of 16,320 yuan/mt. Near the close, SHFE lead prices rebounded slightly and finally closed at 16,395 yuan/mt. A small bullish candlestick was recorded, up 105 yuan/mt, or 0.64%. Supply side, discounts quoted by primary lead smelters narrowed slightly from last Friday, while secondary lead quotes held firm and willingness to sell was cautious. Demand side, downstream battery plants mainly purchased on a rigid-demand basis through long-term contracts, while wait-and-see sentiment for spot orders was strong. On the downside, lead prices were supported by rigid scrap battery costs, selling reluctance amid losses in secondary lead, and firm spot premiums. On the upside, pressure came from the impending entry into the demand off-season and weak macro demand. SMM expects lead prices to fluctuate at lows and repair, with limited room both upward and downward. Data source statement: Except for public information, all other data is processed and derived by SMM based on public information, market communication, and SMM's internal database models, and is for reference only and does not constitute decision-making advice.

According to the latest data from China Customs, China imported a total of 5,561 mt in metal content of nickel sulphate in February 2026, down 20% MoM and up 54% YoY. China exported 33 mt in metal content of nickel sulphate, down 74% MoM and down 75% YoY. China's net imports of nickel sulphate were 5,528 mt in metal content in February 2026, down 19% MoM and up 59% YoY. By country, exports to Japan pulled back this month, dragging down total exports; on the import side, imports from Indonesia and other countries also pulled back this month. Although imports from Finland increased, total imports still declined. Net imports of nickel salts also pulled back this month, broadly in line with last month's expectations.