The European Commission has decided to restrict EU funding—including through the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Investment Fund (EIF)—for solar, wind, and battery energy storage projects utilizing inverters from high-risk countries, namely China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, citing cybersecurity risks. The policy, communicated to financial institutions, took effect on May 1, 2026. While initial media reports highlighted restrictions on photovoltaic solar projects, it is now confirmed that battery energy storage systems (BESS) are also included in the directive. The industry is awaiting the official publication of the new guidelines, as the Commission does not currently plan to issue a public announcement or press release on the matter.

According to customs data, China's aluminum foil (tariff codes 76071110, 76071120, 76071190, 76071900, 76072000) total exports in March 2026 reached 103,500 mt, up 10% MoM but down 13% YoY. The share of exports to the UAE plunged from 6.8% in January-February to 2.5% in March, with the Middle East trade chain nearly severed.

【SMM Analysis】 Why Are Chinese Lead-Acid Battery Enterprises Taking More Holidays for the 2026 Labor Day? As the Labor Day holiday approaches at the end of April, SMM conducted a survey on holiday arrangements among lead-acid battery enterprises across 10 provinces in China.

In April 2026, China's secondary lead production showed a pattern of MoM rebound and YoY decline. Monthly secondary lead production was up 12.72% MoM and down 24.61% YoY; secondary refined lead production was up 8.7% MoM and down 33.14% YoY significantly.

Recently, CATL announced that Zinfra, an Australian energy infrastructure service provider, has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CATL, establishing a strategic cooperation framework. The two parties will jointly deliver and operate large-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects in Australia, accelerating CATL's localized presence in the Australian market Zinfra is a leading energy and utility infrastructure service provider in Australia, specializing in engineering, project management, and operations & maintenance (O&M) in the power and gas sectors. With an annual project and service portfolio exceeding AUD 1.2 billion, Zinfra has extensive experience in the construction and maintenance of power and gas networks, as well as the delivery of renewable energy assets. This partnership marks an important step for CATL in demonstrating its integrated "product + service" capabilities in overseas markets. By leveraging Zinfra's local project channels and engineering delivery capabilities, CATL aims to strengthen the local O&M and service capabilities required for overseas energy storage projects, adopting a light-asset, low-risk model. To date, CATL has ranked first globally in energy storage battery shipments for five consecutive years. According to relevant data, CATL's global market share in energy storage battery shipments reached 30.4% in 2025, with approximately 2,300 cumulative projects worldwide. Looking ahead, CATL will continue to collaborate with local partners such as Zinfra, applying its advanced energy storage battery technology to empower Australia's energy transition and help build a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure.

SMM April 30: SHFE lead fluctuated this week, with prices pulling back slightly near the weekend. On the raw material side, scrap battery procurement prices were largely stable overall, with only a few smelters in east China and north China making slight reductions early in the week. Current scrap battery retirement volumes remain at low levels, with tight supply for both recyclers and smelters. Smelter arrivals declined significantly WoW this week, with raw material inventory maintained at low levels of only 1-2 weeks. Combined with recyclers generally taking 2-6 days off for the Labour Day holiday, short-term supply circulation is expected to be further constrained. Looking ahead to next week, smelter procurement prices are expected to remain largely stable: upward adjustments are constrained by finished lead profit pressure, while downward adjustments are supported by low raw material inventory, leaving limited room for fluctuations in either direction.