U.S. Exports Of Lead, By Class

This table presents detailed data on the United States' exports of lead, categorized by various classes such as lead ore and concentrates, bullion, unwrought lead, wrought lead, powders and flakes, tetraethyl and tetramethyl lead, and waste and scrap. Tracking these exports is crucial for understanding the economic and industrial dynamics of the lead market, as lead is a key material used in batteries, construction, and various alloys. Export data helps gauge domestic production capacity, international demand, and the health of industries reliant on lead, while also informing trade policy and resource management.

Analysis of the data reveals several notable trends between 2021 and 2022. Exports of lead ore and concentrates slightly decreased from 262,000 to 255,000 metric tons, indicating a modest decline in raw material shipments. Bullion exports fell from 1,940 to 1,550 metric tons, while refined lead exports surged dramatically from 907 to 4,250 metric tons, suggesting increased processing and value addition domestically. Unwrought lead containing antimony nearly doubled, rising from 830 to 1,640 metric tons. Wrought lead exports showed mixed results: plates, sheets, strip, and foil increased from 4,230 to 6,150 metric tons, whereas pipes and tubes declined from 61 to 23 metric tons. The largest export category by volume, spent lead-acid storage batteries, decreased from 35.4 million units to 30.9 million units, reflecting shifts in recycling or demand patterns. Overall, total unwrought lead exports increased from 21,500 to 25,800 metric tons, highlighting a trend toward exporting more processed lead products.