SMM

SHANGHAI, Jan 3 (SMM) - The upstream and downstream enterprises of the lead industry chain were all affected by the pandemic. As many workers were infected, some secondary lead smelters stopped or reduced the production the previous week and the influence extended into last week. According to SMM survey, a secondary lead smelter in north-east China stopped the production for about a week as many workers were infected, hence the daily output of reduced lead fell to 100-200 mt. The production is expected to resume after the New Year's Day. A secondary lead smelter in Inner Mongolia also stopped the production for 5-6 days due to the labour shortage amid the pandemic and the daily output of reduced lead was only 100-150 mt after the resumption last week. In addition, a secondary lead smelter in Guizhou said that the battery scrap available in the market was limited as most of the traders were affected by the pandemic outbreak. Coupled with the approaching Chinese New Year, the production is expected to be stopped for maintenance after the mid-January. It can be seen that the market supply of reduced lead may tighten further amid the unstable pandemic situation.