The market for scrap lead-acid batteries continues to rise without losing momentum.
As of the 4th, the benchmark price for battery scrap is 114 yen per kilogram, up 1 yen from late January. The highest price has reached 120 yen per kilogram, up 3 yen over the same period an unusually high level for this time of year.
This trend is largely being driven by strong prices for refined lead, which have been leading the market recently. Scrap battery prices are following this upward movement.
Competition to collect used batteries appears to be intensifying, with overseas lead companies as well as domestic smelting and refining companies actively competing to secure supply.
As of the 4th, the market for scrap lead-acid batteries is rising across the board. Prices are up 2 yen at the low end, 1 yen at the mid-range, and 3 yen at the high end. Current prices stand at 111 yen per kilogram at the low end, 114 yen at the mid-range, and 120 yen at the high end.
The market is being led by higher refined lead prices. According to several industry sources, “It feels like overseas refined lead operators are driving the battery scrap market. In response, especially in eastern Japan, smelters and refiners are stepping up their collection efforts. Some refined lead operators may even be involved in illegal exports, which is a very serious concern.”
Meanwhile, purchase prices offered by smelters in western Japan have remained relatively stable, staying within the low-to-mid price range.
鉛バッテリースクラップ相場 (税別・置き場渡し)
Regarding supply and demand conditions in western Japan, some industry sources say that production has been weak at certain facilities. As a result, supply and demand for battery scrap, which is used as raw material, has become more balanced, and this is likely reflected in the purchase prices.
Meanwhile, the domestic purchase price of refined lead, which has a major impact on battery prices, is also continuing to rise. As of the 4th, it is trading in the low 160 yen range per kilogram. According to trading sources, smelters in eastern Japan are leading the market due to tight refined lead supply.
During this strong upward market, some industry sources say they have received requests from smelters to exclusively crush used batteries in order to secure a stable supply of refined lead.
LME鉛相場
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A company without its own smelting furnace, a so-called scrap melter, has reportedly started operations in Yamaguchi Prefecture.
According to market sources, the company is Chinese affiliated and is collecting lead pipes, lead sheets, and fishing sinkers as raw materials. While the usual market price for fishing sinkers is around 180 to 200 yen per kilogram, the company is said to be buying them at 270 yen.
With raw materials in short supply, not only battery scrap and refined lead but also other types of lead scrap are drawing attention. If these higher prices spread to the broader market, it could become another factor causing market disruption.
Translated from 鉛バッテリースクラップ市況2026＃2 高値120円の異例相場――巣鉛主導の相場展開がトレンドに
(IRuniverse Mahima）
