United Kingdom: Refined Lead Market 2025

Refined Lead Market Size in the UK

In 2022, after two years of decline, there was growth in the UK refined lead market, when its value increased by 4.7% to $X. In general, consumption, however, showed a mild slump. Refined lead consumption peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Refined Lead Production in the UK

In value terms, refined lead production declined slightly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, continues to indicate a slight decrease. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 1.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

Refined Lead Exports

Exports from the UK

In 2022, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in overseas shipments of refined lead (unwrought), when their volume decreased by -12.5% to X tons. In general, exports, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when exports increased by 65% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons. From 2016 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, refined lead exports fell to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, total exports indicated mild growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.3% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +44.1% against 2019 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 44%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2016 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Germany (X tons), France (X tons) and Italy (X tons) were the main destinations of refined lead exports from the UK, with a combined 63% share of total exports. Portugal, Spain, Poland, Ireland and India lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 28%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Poland (with a CAGR of +317.4%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Germany ($X), France ($X) and Italy ($X) constituted the largest markets for refined lead exported from the UK worldwide, together comprising 64% of total exports. Portugal, Spain, Poland, Ireland and India lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 28%.

Poland, with a CAGR of +324.1%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, among the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average refined lead export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, dropping by -2.2% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 an increase of 25% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied somewhat for the major export markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the highest price was recorded for prices to India ($X per ton) and Portugal ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Ireland ($X per ton) and France ($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 India (+4.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Refined Lead Imports

Imports into the UK

In 2022, the amount of refined lead (unwrought) imported into the UK dropped rapidly to X tons, shrinking by -49.8% compared with 2021 figures. Overall, imports showed a abrupt slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when imports increased by 101%. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, refined lead imports dropped remarkably to $X in 2022. In general, imports showed a deep downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when imports increased by 138% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Ireland (X tons) was the main supplier of refined lead to the UK, accounting for a 98% share of total imports. It was followed by Germany (X tons), with a 0.1% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from Ireland totaled -3.1%.

In value terms, Ireland ($X) constituted the largest supplier of refined lead (unwrought) to the UK, comprising 97% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Germany ($X), with a 0.1% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Ireland totaled -2.4%.

Import Prices by Country

The average refined lead import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, therefore, remained relatively stable against the previous year. In general, the import price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when the average import price increased by 18% against the previous year. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2018 to 2022, the average import prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Ireland ($X per ton), while the price for Germany amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Israel (+2.1%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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