A post-summer return to the lead market enlivened spot activity in India and Vietnam in the week to Tuesday September 1.
But while Indian lead premiums were buoyed by an increase in spot demand, the Southeast Asian lead premium narrowed over the period, with most countries remaining on the sidelines.
Indian buyers came back to the lead market in full force, driving deals higher and premiums up. Southeast Asian lead market stayed subdued despite increased activity in Vietnam, with the regional premium narrowing. Zinc and lead markets in the United States, China and Europe held firm with demand still lackluster. Lead buyers from India, Vietnam return to spot market
Spot appetite for lead units returned from buyers in India and Vietnam this week, with consumers looking to replenish raw materials for battery production in anticipation of a surge in demand.
Fastmarkets'
premium assessment of 99.97% lead ingots cif India increased to $70-115 per tonne on September 1, from $50-100 per tonne two weeks ago.
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