Refined lead production in September was up 9pc at 1,051,800mt compared to 973,200mt in the same month prior year. Consumption of refined led was up 12pc to 1,112,200mt compared to 1,112,200 prior year, according to WBMS.
Lead deficit however doubled to 310,000mt in the period Jan-Sept 2019 following a shortage of 243,000mt reported in calendar 2018. World Bureau of Metal Statistics (WBMS) reported that in September end 2019, lead stocks were 31,000mt lower than same period prior year.
China contributed 47pc to the total demand of refined lead in Jan-Sept 2019. China’s estimated demand for lead was 4,488,000mt, higher by 823,000mt compared to 2018. Meanwhile, demand in the US fell by 300mt in the period.