Global zinc and lead premiums were stable in the week to Tuesday May 26, with increased spot inquiries for lead amid battery producer Exide's bankruptcy failing to translate to higher United States premiums, while demand for zinc in all regions remained lackluster.
Battery producer Exide Technologies bankruptcy filing stimulates US lead spot interest China zinc market subdued by lack of arbitrage opportunities North European zinc market illiquid despite commercial restarts
Exide bankruptcy stirs US lead spot market interest; zinc unchanged
In the United States, some sources reported that the news of major battery producer
Exide filing for bankruptcy had stirred spot interest in lead, after months of slowing demand.
Fastmarkets assessed the
lead 99.97% ingot premium, ddp Midwest US at $0.08-0.09 per lb on Tuesday May 26, and the
lead 99.99% ingot premium, delivered Midwest US at $0.10-0.12 per lb - both unchanged since April 21.
Interest in lead "is picking up," a lead seller told Fastmarkets, adding that "it is partially due to Exide and the market's reaction."
This is the third time...