U.S.: Refined Lead Market 2024

Refined Lead Market Size in the U.S.

The U.S. refined lead market expanded significantly to $X in 2022, growing by 10% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Refined lead consumption peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Refined Lead Production in the U.S.

In value terms, refined lead production skyrocketed to $X in 2022. In general, production showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when the production volume increased by 216%. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

Refined Lead Exports

Exports from the U.S.

In 2022, shipments abroad of refined lead (unwrought) increased by 92% to X tons, rising for the second year in a row after two years of decline. In general, exports, however, saw a abrupt shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when exports increased by 2,131%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2019 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, refined lead exports surged to $X in 2022. Overall, exports, however, recorded a perceptible descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when exports increased by 1,789%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2019 to 2022, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Mexico (X tons) was the main destination for refined lead exports from the United States, accounting for a 71% share of total exports. Moreover, refined lead exports to Mexico exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Canada (X tons), fourfold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Ecuador (X tons), with a 9.3% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to Mexico amounted to -8.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Canada (+10.1% per year) and Ecuador (+133.4% per year).

In value terms, Mexico ($X) remains the key foreign market for refined lead (unwrought) exports from the United States, comprising 75% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Canada ($X), with a 16% share of total exports. It was followed by Ecuador, with a 6.7% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to Mexico totaled -5.6%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Canada (+12.9% per year) and Ecuador (+76.1% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average refined lead export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, increasing by 7.8% against the previous year. In general, the export price showed a noticeable increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when the average export price increased by 170%. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Mexico ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to South Korea ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Mexico (+3.1%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Refined Lead Imports

Imports into the U.S.

In 2022, purchases abroad of refined lead (unwrought) increased by 9.6% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after three years of decline. In general, total imports indicated a remarkable increase from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +11.3% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, imports increased by +70.7% against 2020 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when imports increased by 80%. Imports peaked at X tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, refined lead imports rose significantly to $X in 2022. Overall, imports saw a strong increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 95% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2017; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

Imports by Country

South Korea (X tons), Australia (X tons) and Mexico (X tons) were the main suppliers of refined lead imports to the United States, with a combined 57% share of total imports. Canada, China, Nigeria, Pakistan and Peru lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 34%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Nigeria (with a CAGR of +62.2%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, South Korea ($X), Australia ($X) and Canada ($X) constituted the largest refined lead suppliers to the United States, together comprising 59% of total imports. China, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan and Peru lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 32%.

In terms of the main suppliers, Nigeria, with a CAGR of +62.8%, 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, increasing by 3.7% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.7%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the average import price increased by 18% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2018; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the countries with the highest prices were South Korea ($X per ton) and Nigeria ($X per ton), while the price for Mexico ($X per ton) and Canada ($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 Korea (+2.3%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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