Hot News

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  Supply of waste lead-acid batteries varies by region, and tight supply of secondary crude lead is difficult to alleviate in the short term [SMM Weekly Review of Scrap Batteries & Secondary Crude Lead]

• European Tungsten Prices Racing Higher on Chinese Gains, Pre-Holiday Production Void Threatens Further Spike [SMM Analysis]

  According to SMM data on Dec 12, European APT CIF (Rotterdam) averaged $850/mtu, up $50 weekly, while ferrotungsten rose to $104.5/kg W. Following China’s price surge, severe material shortages and pre‑Christmas production halts have nearly stalled European trading. Traders expect APT quotes to surpass $1,000/mtu, already accepted by some buyers. In China, depleted mining quotas and output cuts pushed domestic APT to 555,000 yuan/ton. Export controls and lengthy approvals are limiting outbound flows, tightening domestic supply. With Europe’s structural shortage and strong demand unresolved, prices are likely to continue climbing.

• [SMM Analysis] This week, the nickel intermediate product market saw low activity, with prices for MHP and high-grade nickel matte declining.

  This week, the intermediate nickel product market saw low activity, with MHP and high-grade nickel matte prices declining.

• Slight Decline in Copper Wire and Cable Operating Rate, Order Recovery Supports Subsequent Rebound [SMM Wire and Cable Market Weekly Review]

• Downstream battery producers maintain rigid demand purchases, secondary lead smelters' finished product inventories rebound slightly [SMM Secondary Lead Inventory Weekly Review]