Japan Used Lead Battery Export to Korea Keeps High Volume in May

Japanese export of used automotive lead battery to South Korea was 4,406 tonnes in May, according to the trade statistics by Ministry of Finance. The export volume decreased by 29% from April while hit the second highest this year. The export unit price was 78.7 yen per kilogram, the secondly record high price.

Almost all of the export was for South Korea, which had kept 3,000-4,000 tonnes per month for 5 straight months until March 2011. The export jumped to 6,185 tonnes in April, when South Korean secondary lead refiners offered high purchasing price, Japanese exporters were positive to increase the shipment along lead market price upsurge, and distributing confusion after Japan Earthquake was improved.

In May, the export volume decreased month-to-month after the sharp increase in April and along the downturn of lead market price. However, the volume represented very high level and increased by 51% from a year earlier despite of the season when used battery generation is low. The export unit price kept the level almost as high as in April to reflect sharp market price upsurge since March.

The domestic market price stays at above 70 yen per kg in Tokyo and Osaka though monthly average of lead market price at London Metal Exchange would become lower in June than in May. Japanese secondary lead refiner says they cannot purchase used automotive lead battery at such the high price but the market price shows no weakening sign.