Africa: Lead Market 2024

Lead Market Size in Africa

The African lead market dropped modestly to $X in 2022, standing approx. at the previous year. Overall, consumption saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 5.2% against the previous year. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2022, the growth of the market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Lead Production in Africa

In value terms, lead production contracted slightly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 5.8%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Lead Exports

Exports in Africa

In 2022, lead exports in Africa expanded remarkably to X tons, with an increase of 10% compared with 2021. Over the period under review, exports recorded a buoyant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when exports increased by 90%. The volume of export peaked in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

In value terms, lead exports soared to $X in 2022. Overall, exports posted a strong expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when exports increased by 74% against the previous year. The level of export peaked in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

Nigeria prevails in exports structure, amounting to X tons, which was approx. 52% of total exports in 2022. Ghana (X tons) took the second position in the ranking, followed by South Africa (X tons), Tanzania (X tons) and Sudan (X tons). All these countries together held near 29% share of total exports. The following exporters - Zambia (X tons) and Cameroon (X tons) - each amounted to a 5.5% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to lead exports from Nigeria stood at +14.0%. At the same time, Sudan (+49.9%), South Africa (+15.0%), Tanzania (+10.2%), Cameroon (+9.6%), Zambia (+6.5%) and Ghana (+5.6%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Sudan emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Africa, with a CAGR of +49.9% from 2012-2022. While the share of Nigeria (+21 p.p.), Sudan (+5.4 p.p.) and South Africa (+3.6 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2022, the share of Ghana (-2.5 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Nigeria ($X) remains the largest lead supplier in Africa, comprising 42% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by South Africa ($X), with an 11% share of total exports. It was followed by Ghana, with a 10% share.

In Nigeria, lead exports expanded at an average annual rate of +6.8% over the period from 2012-2022. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: South Africa (+16.2% per year) and Ghana (+6.2% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in Africa amounted to $X per ton, rising by 4.6% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, continues to indicate a pronounced curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 an increase of 15% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was South Africa ($X per ton), while Nigeria ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Africa (+1.1%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Lead Imports

Imports in Africa

In 2022, lead imports in Africa rose notably to X tons, increasing by 9.9% against 2021. In general, imports, however, continue to indicate a perceptible slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 with an increase of 17% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, lead imports expanded remarkably to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports, however, continue to indicate a perceptible setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 31%. The level of import peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, South Africa (X tons) and Egypt (X tons) represented the largest importers of lead in Africa, together accounting for near 59% of total imports. Democratic Republic of the Congo (X tons) ranks next in terms of the total imports with an 11% share, followed by Botswana (7.7%), Algeria (6.4%) and Tunisia (6.1%). Kenya (X tons) held a minor share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main importing countries, was attained by Democratic Republic of the Congo (with a CAGR of +23.9%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest lead importing markets in Africa were South Africa ($X), Egypt ($X) and Democratic Republic of the Congo ($X), together comprising 70% of total imports.

Democratic Republic of the Congo, with a CAGR of +21.8%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in Africa amounted to $X per ton, surging by 3.5% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.2%. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 an increase of 18% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2018; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, major importing countries recorded the following prices: in Democratic Republic of the Congo ($X per ton) and Algeria ($X per ton), while Kenya ($X per ton) and Egypt ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Algeria (+3.1%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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