Salient Lead Statistics

This table presents key statistical data on lead production, consumption, trade, and pricing, primarily focusing on the United States and global markets over recent years. It includes figures on mine production of lead in concentrates and recoverable content, secondary lead production, imports and exports, stocks held by consumers and secondary smelters, as well as market prices from North American and London Metal Exchange sources. This data is crucial for understanding the supply-demand dynamics, economic value, and industrial trends in the lead sector, which is vital for applications ranging from batteries and construction materials to radiation shielding and electronics.

Analysis of the data reveals that U.S. mine production of lead in concentrates decreased from 294,000 metric tons in 2021 to 273,000 metric tons in 2022, continuing a downward trend from a peak of 306,000 metric tons in 2020. Recoverable lead content similarly declined to 264,000 metric tons in 2022. Secondary lead production, a significant source of lead supply, also fell steadily from 1,050,000 metric tons in 2021 to 1,010,000 metric tons in 2022. Despite these declines in production, unwrought lead content increased to 651,000 metric tons in 2022, up from 614,000 metric tons in 2021, indicating possible stockpiling or changes in trade flows. The value of lead production remained substantial at $678 million in 2022, though below the 2021 peak of $713 million. Global mine production of lead showed minor fluctuations, with 4,460,000 metric tons produced in 2022, slightly down from 4,550,000 metric tons in 2021. Lead prices strengthened in 2022, with the North American market price averaging 116.53 cents per pound and the London Metal Exchange price at $97.64 per unit, both higher than the previous year, reflecting tightening supply conditions amid steady consumption of about 1,190,000 metric tons of lead content in the U.S. These trends highlight a complex market environment with shifting production and pricing patterns.