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This table presents a detailed breakdown of lead consumption in the United States during 2022, categorized by the class of product and lead type. It highlights the quantities of lead used in various forms such as refined soft lead, antimonial lead, lead alloys, and lead contained in copper-base scrap. Understanding this distribution is crucial for assessing the economic and industrial significance of lead, as it informs stakeholders about demand patterns in key sectors like metal products, storage batteries, and miscellaneous applications. This data supports strategic planning in manufacturing, recycling, and regulatory policies by illustrating how lead is utilized across different product classes.
In 2022, total lead consumption in the U.S. reached approximately 1.19 million metric tons, with storage batteries accounting for the largest share at 1.01 million metric tons. Within this category, refined soft lead dominated usage at 542,000 metric tons, followed by antimonial lead at 257,000 metric tons and lead alloys at 213,000 metric tons. Metal products consumed a combined total of 149,000 metric tons of lead, primarily antimonial lead at 84,800 metric tons and refined soft lead at 57,100 metric tons. Miscellaneous uses, including oxides and gasoline additives, accounted for about 24,900 metric tons, though some data were withheld to protect proprietary information. The predominance of lead in storage batteries underscores the ongoing importance of this sector, reflecting trends in automotive and energy storage industries.
| TABLE 5 | ||||||||||||
| U.S. CONSUMPTION OF LEAD IN 2022, BY CLASS OF PRODUCT1, 2 | ||||||||||||
| (Metric tons, lead content) | ||||||||||||
| Lead in | Lead in | |||||||||||
| Refined | antimonial | Lead in | copper- | |||||||||
| Product | soft lead | lead | alloys | base scrap | Total | |||||||
| Metal products | 57100 | 84800 | 7030 | (3) | 149000 | |||||||
| Storage batteries | 542000 | 257000 | 213000 | -- | 1010000 | |||||||
| Miscellaneous4 | 24300 | W | W | -- | 24900 | |||||||
| Total | 623000 | 342000 | 220000 | (3) | 1190000 | |||||||
W Withheld to avoid disclosing company proprietary data. -- Zero.
1Table includes data available through August 25, 2023. Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown.
2Includes lead that went directly from scrap to fabricated products.
3Data for lead in copper-base scrap are withheld to avoid disclosing company proprietary data; included in “Lead in alloys.”
4Included in “Miscellaneous” are other oxides and gasoline additives.
Source: United States Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program
See also: Lead statistics | Mineral commodity prices