SUBSCRIBER NOTE: Platts proposes to add new lead-acid battery price assessment

Platts is proposing to launch a new weekly price assessment for scrap used lead-acid batteries reflecting market activity in the US Northeast, and to clarify the specification and name of its existing Midwest lead-acid battery assessment.

The new assessment would launch on August 4, 2015, and would be for used 50% lead-acid, starter lighter ignition automotive batteries, picked up US Northeast, with the northeastern region for price normalization to include New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, and Ontario, Canada.

The specification would be for a minimum quantity of one truckload (42,000-44,000 lb), normalized to a typical order size one to five truckloads, packaged in shrink-wrapped pallets or skids, pallet size 40" or 44" by 48", maximum 3,600 lb/skid, no more than three battery layers separated by cardboard sheets; assessed in a cents/lb range reflecting the majority of business, normalized to a picked-up US Northeast basis, delivery within 30 days, net-30-day payment terms.

Platts is also clarifying that the name of its existing lead-acid battery price assessment (MMLAA04) is used lead-acid batteries picked-up US Midwest, and that the assessment is normalized to a Midwest region including Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa and Arkansas. Other specifications remain unchanged, in line with the specifications for the new assessment.

Both assessments would be assessed once a week on Tuesdays or the closest business day through a survey of secondary lead smelter buyers, scrap dealers/processors, traders and brokers.

Platts is soliciting feedback on the proposed new assessment and the specifications for both assessments through July 1, 2015.

Please send all questions and feedback to laura.gilcrest@platts.com and pricegroup@platts.com.

For written comments, please provide a clear indication if comments are not intended for publication by Platts for public viewing. Platts will consider all comments received and will make comments not marked as confidential available upon request.