Japan: Refined Lead Market 2024

Refined Lead Market Size in Japan

In 2022, the Japanese refined lead market increased by 0.5% to $X, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. In general, consumption saw a relatively flat trend pattern. Refined lead consumption peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Refined Lead Production in Japan

In value terms, refined lead production contracted slightly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when the production volume increased by 3.8% against the previous year. Refined lead production peaked at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

Refined Lead Exports

Exports from Japan

In 2022, shipments abroad of refined lead (unwrought) decreased by -25.6% to X tons, falling for the second year in a row after three years of growth. Overall, exports showed a deep contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 321% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, refined lead exports dropped remarkably to $X in 2022. In general, exports saw a abrupt curtailment. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when exports increased by 290%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Thailand (X tons) was the main destination for refined lead exports from Japan, with a 66% share of total exports. Moreover, refined lead exports to Thailand exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Malaysia (X tons), fourfold. Taiwan (Chinese) (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with an 8.8% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to Thailand amounted to +9.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Malaysia (+47.2% per year) and Taiwan (Chinese) (-7.5% per year).

In value terms, Thailand ($X) remains the key foreign market for refined lead (unwrought) exports from Japan, comprising 65% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Malaysia ($X), with an 18% share of total exports. It was followed by Taiwan (Chinese), with a 9% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to Thailand totaled +9.2%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Malaysia (+47.0% per year) and Taiwan (Chinese) (-6.6% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average refined lead export price amounted to $X per ton, remaining relatively unchanged against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 an increase of 26%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2018 to 2022, the average export prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably for the major export markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the highest price was recorded for prices to Vietnam ($X per ton) and Taiwan (Chinese) ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Thailand ($X per ton) and Malaysia ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Vietnam (+1.6%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Refined Lead Imports

Imports into Japan

In 2022, overseas purchases of refined lead (unwrought) decreased by -5.1% to X tons, falling for the fourth consecutive year after two years of growth. In general, imports showed a slight decrease. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 38%. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, refined lead imports shrank to $X in 2022. Overall, imports recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when imports increased by 76%. Imports peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Taiwan (Chinese) (X tons), Australia (X tons) and South Korea (X tons) were the main suppliers of refined lead imports to Japan, with a combined 75% share of total imports. China, Myanmar and India lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 24%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Myanmar (with a CAGR of +193.3%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Taiwan (Chinese) ($X), Australia ($X) and South Korea ($X) were the largest refined lead suppliers to Japan, together comprising 74% of total imports. China, Myanmar and India lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 26%.

Among the main suppliers, Myanmar, with a CAGR of +199.0%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average refined lead import price amounted to $X per ton, rising by 2.5% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the average import price increased by 28% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the countries with the highest prices were China ($X per ton) and South Korea ($X per ton), while the price for Taiwan (Chinese) ($X per ton) and Australia ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the UK (+22.4%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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