SADC: Lead Market 2024

Lead Market Size in SADC

The SADC lead market shrank to $X in 2022, with a decrease of -3% against the previous year. In general, consumption saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the market value increased by 9.5%. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Lead Production in SADC

In value terms, lead production declined to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the production volume increased by 22%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

Lead Exports

Exports in SADC

In 2022, the amount of lead exported in SADC rose sharply to X tons, growing by 14% against 2021. In general, exports continue to indicate a strong expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of 38%. The volume of export peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, lead exports expanded rapidly to $X in 2022. Overall, exports enjoyed prominent growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when exports increased by 53%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

South Africa (X tons) and Tanzania (X tons) represented the major exporters of lead in 2022, resulting at near 37% and 30% of total exports, respectively. Zambia (X tons) took a 13% share (based on physical terms) of total exports, which put it in second place, followed by Angola (9.4%) and Mozambique (7.4%).

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Mozambique (with a CAGR of +19.3%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, South Africa ($X), Tanzania ($X) and Zambia ($X) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2022, with a combined 82% share of total exports. Angola and Mozambique lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 16%.

Among the main exporting countries, Mozambique, with a CAGR of +19.7%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in SADC stood at $X per ton in 2022, approximately mirroring the previous year. In general, the export price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 an increase of 17%. Over the period under review, the export prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, major exporting countries recorded the following prices: in South Africa ($X per ton) and Mozambique ($X per ton), while Zambia ($X per ton) and Angola ($X per ton) were 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 SADC

In 2022, overseas purchases of lead increased by 5.3% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. In general, imports, however, recorded a mild descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when imports increased by 31%. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons. From 2014 to 2022, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, lead imports expanded markedly to $X in 2022. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 48% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X. From 2014 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, South Africa (X tons) represented the largest importer of lead, mixing up 61% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Democratic Republic of the Congo (X tons) and Botswana (X tons), together achieving a 34% share of total imports. Zambia (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Imports into South Africa decreased at an average annual rate of -5.4% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Zambia (+30.7%), Democratic Republic of the Congo (+23.9%) and Botswana (+11.9%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Zambia emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in SADC, with a CAGR of +30.7% from 2012-2022. Democratic Republic of the Congo (+18 p.p.), Botswana (+10 p.p.) and Zambia (+3.1 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while South Africa saw its share reduced by -31% from 2012 to 2022, respectively.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported lead in SADC, comprising 57% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Democratic Republic of the Congo ($X), with a 25% share of total imports. It was followed by Botswana, with a 14% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in South Africa totaled -2.7%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Democratic Republic of the Congo (+21.8% per year) and Botswana (+12.7% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in SADC stood at $X per ton in 2022, increasing by 4.4% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +3.1%. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 an increase of 39% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices attained the maximum in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Africa (+2.8%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform