On April 13, Zhejiang Xupai Power and HELLA (Nanjing) Electronics signed a strategic cooperation agreement. The two parties will engage in in-depth cooperation in sodium-ion batteries, automotive electronics, and global market expansion, focusing on the R&D, adaptation, validation, and promotion of sodium-ion automotive starter batteries. Xupai Power specializes in the R&D and manufacturing of sodium-ion automotive starter batteries, with products featuring advantages such as excellent high- and low-temperature performance, safety and reliability, and resource friendliness. HELLA (Nanjing) is a subsidiary of Germany's HELLA Group, possessing world-leading automotive electronics and energy management technologies. The two parties will leverage their respective strengths in manufacturing, distribution channels, and technology to promote the deployment of sodium-ion starter batteries across multiple car models and facilitate the green upgrade of automotive starting systems.

Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) is thrilled to announce that our 2026 SMM Global Lead-Acid Battery Supply Chain Industry Conference is scheduled to take place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, during November 12-13, 2026！

The 2026 Global Sodium-Ion Battery Industry Ecosystem Conference hosted by HiNa Battery was held in Jiangxia District, Wuhan. At the conference, HiNa Battery launched sodium-ion battery products covering application scenarios such as starter batteries, energy storage, and electric heavy-duty trucks, and simultaneously disclosed extreme-cold test data for sodium-ion battery heavy-duty trucks.

SMM News, March 27: Lead prices operated at low levels this week, and secondary lead smelters generally lowered their purchase prices for scrap batteries. Today’s average purchase prices were: waste e-bike battery at 9,775 yuan/mt, waste automotive lead-acid battery (white shell) at 9,875 yuan/mt, and waste automotive starter lead-acid battery (black shell) at 10,075 yuan/mt. Quotes in the recycling market diverged, with some traders raising prices to 9,450 yuan/mt to attract cargoes, squeezing profits, while others lowered prices to 9,250 yuan/mt, with recycling volume constrained. Affected by sluggish downstream consumption, relatively low retirements, weaker prices, and end-users holding back cargoes, recycling volume this week was half the normal level. After the Qingming Festival, the pace of smelter resumptions is expected to gradually accelerate, and demand for raw material procurement is likely to be released. In addition, with raw material inventories at some smelters still at low levels, this is expected to provide some support for scrap battery prices. Going forward, continued attention should be paid to lead price trends and developments in smelter production and maintenance. » Subscribe to View Historical SMM Metal Spot Prices

SMM News, March 20: Lead prices weakened this week, and secondary lead smelters lowered scrap battery purchase prices due to profit pressure. Today, the average scrap battery purchase prices at smelters were: waste e-bike battery at 9,825 yuan/mt, waste automotive lead-acid battery (white shell) at 9,875 yuan/mt, and waste automotive starter lead-acid battery (black shell) at 10,125 yuan/mt. Recyclers also followed the decline, and after prices were cut, downstream collection outlets held back cargoes, with recycling volume decreasing WoW. Smelter inventory diverged, with low-inventory smelters holding only enough for one week of production, while high-inventory smelters made limited just-in-time procurement after small price cuts. According to the SMM survey, market expectations for lead prices were weak, and if prices continue to weaken next week, scrap battery prices are expected to be lowered again. This week, the mainstream self pick-up price at major ports for imported crude lead was at a discount of 50-0 yuan/mt against the SMM #1 lead average price, while some cargoes were at a premium of 50 yuan/mt. Domestic secondary crude lead cargoes were quoted firmly due to insufficient operating rates caused by cost pressure. As of this Friday, the mainstream tax-excluded ex-factory prices stood near 15,200 yuan/mt. Going into next week, imported lead is still expected to arrive at ports one after another, and downstream enterprises have been active in making inquiries. SMM expects domestic secondary crude lead supply to remain tight. » Subscribe to View Historical SMM Metal Spot Prices

The silver price in US Dollars has surged to fresh record highs, with XAG/USD trading around $109 per ounce, as momentum-driven buying and a weaker US dollar continue to propel the market higher.

[SMM Analysis] Middle East Anti-Dumping Duties to Take Effect in January Next Year: What Impact Will They Have on Lead-Acid Battery Exports? SMM December 31: In late November 2025, according to the official website of the Gulf Cooperation Council (hereinafter referred to as "GCC") Technical Secretariat for Anti Injurious Practices in International Trade and Official Gazette Issue No. 53, the GCC Ministerial Committee composed of industry ministers formally approved the Standing Committee's recommendation to impose definitive anti-dumping duties on electric accumulators used for starting piston engines (HS code 85071000) originating in or exported from China and Malaysia.

Prior to the 2025 SMM APAC Lead-Acid Battery Industry Conference, organized by Shanghai Metals Market (SMM), SMM led a delegation on a corporate visit to KIJO Battery (Vietnam) Co., Ltd. for exchange and insights.

The General Offices of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council issued the "Opinions on Continuously Promoting the Urban Renewal Initiative." The main objectives are as follows: By 2030, significant progress will be made in the implementation of the urban renewal initiative, with continuous improvement in the institutional mechanisms for urban renewal. Initial results will be achieved in the transformation of urban development and construction methods, a more solid foundation for safe development, continuously enhanced service efficiency, a significantly improved living environment, a more diversified economic landscape, effective protection of cultural heritage, more prominent urban characteristics and styles, and cities becoming spaces for the high-grade life of the people.

[SMM Announcement] SMM Adds New Price Points for Waste Lead-Acid Batteries in Jiangxi Region: Dear Users, Greetings! The secondary lead capacity in Jiangxi region, after experiencing a low point, is now in a phase of recovery and growth. Currently, the annual scrap processing capacity in this region exceeds 1 million mt, accounting for approximately 6.8% of the national total. Additionally, due to its proximity to Anhui province, a major secondary lead production area, enterprises across the lead industry chain have shown significant interest. To help market participants better grasp the market trends of waste lead-acid battery recycling, provide references for enterprise pricing and settlement, and reduce transaction risks and costs, SMM, after thorough market research and analysis, has decided to add three types of waste lead-acid battery prices for the Jiangxi region: waste battery (Jiangxi), waste starter lead-acid battery (black shell) (Jiangxi), and waste automotive lead-acid battery (white shell) (Jiangxi). These new price points will officially take effect on April 28, 2025.