On April 2, 2026, the White House ushered US steel trade policy into "Version 2.0." This strategic shift goes beyond simple tariff hikes. It uses full-value taxation and melt-and-pour traceability to block low-end imported raw materials, while applying structural tariff reductions to finished products to ease manufacturing inflation. Ultimately, this two-pronged approach aims to forcibly bring the global supply chain back to domestic US steel production.

As production order fully resumed after the Chinese New Year, the sodium-ion battery industry chain saw a strong recovery in March. Production across the four major segments—cathode, anode, electrolyte, and battery cell—posted substantial growth both YoY and MoM, with industry prosperity rebounding markedly.

The US solar industry faces a 53,000-worker shortfall as developers rush to meet the July 2026 construction deadline under the 'OBBBA'. Projections indicate 355,000 workers are needed to hit the 60-70 GW installation targets, yet 86% of employers report hiring difficulties. The labor crunch is compounded by a mandate requiring 15% of labor hours to come from apprentices to secure tax credits. To adapt, developers are building internal training pipelines, targeting veterans, and utilizing digital tools to maximize efficiency.

SMM News, April 2: Dealers in Jiangxi reported no significant change for now in replacement demand in the automotive lead-acid battery market, with retailers only purchasing as needed and battery inventory at around one and a half months. In addition, amid the sharp recent rise in lead prices, talk of sales promotions in the battery wholesale market has weakened, and the mainstream model 6-QW-45Ah was quoted at 180-200 yuan/unit. Manufacturers in Zhejiang reported that domestic demand in the automotive lead-acid battery market was average. Coupled with impeded battery exports due to factors including geopolitical issues, tariffs, and differences in domestic and overseas costs, factories are currently producing based on sales, with the operating rate at around 50-60. Manufacturers in Hebei reported stable demand in the automotive lead-acid battery market, among which vehicle OEM supporting orders were moderate, and factory production lines were running at near full capacity. However, as the traditional consumption off-season in April approaches, subsequent production will be adjusted based on order conditions.

[Developments in the Outside-China Lead Market] According to Notice No. 26,094-96 issued by the LME, the suspension of trading in the UMICORE 99.99, 99.985, and 99.97 lead brands produced by Umicore has been lifted, and these brands will continue to be used for warrant transactions on the London Metal Exchange (LME). It was reported that, according to Notice No. 26 005-007 issued by the LME on January 2, 2026, effective April 2, 2026, the three lead ingot brands produced by Umicore will no longer be accepted for warranting by the London Metal Exchange (LME).

[E-bike Market Update] It was reported that, in addition to Yadea, leading electric two-wheeler brands in China such as Ninebot, TAILG, and AIMA plan to raise the end-user selling prices of most of their car models starting April 1, with increases generally at 200-300 yuan per unit. According to e-bike dealers, they have already received notices from manufacturers that prices for some car models, including two-wheelers and three-wheelers, will be raised starting in April, with increases ranging from 30-300 yuan per unit.