1. Global refined lead production

In 2016, global refined lead production continued to grow, reaching 11.52 million tons—a year-on-year increase of 2.69%, the fastest growth rate in nearly five years (according to CRU data). Among the major supplying countries, China and the United States were the world’s two largest producers of refined lead. In 2016, their respective outputs reached 5 million tons and 1.15 million tons, accounting for 43.4% and 10.0% of global total production, respectively. Affected by stricter environmental policies and a decline in raw material supply, China’s output growth in 2016 was 1.01%, an increase of 50,000 tons over 2015. After all U.S. primary lead smelters were shut down in 2014, U.S. output fell from 1.3 million tons to 1.09 million tons in 2014, before experiencing a slight rebound in the past two years to 1.15 million tons, with a growth rate of 1.23% in 2016. South Korea has seen rapid growth in its output in recent years, rising from 540,000 tons in 2014 to 750,000 tons in 2016—an annual increase of 26.3% in 2016.

Global and Top 5 Countries’ Refined Lead Production, 2012–2016

Data source: CRU; Unit: 10,000 tons;

2. Global refined lead consumption

In 2016, global refined lead consumption increased by 3.07% year-on-year, also reaching its highest level in nearly five years. According to CRU data, global refined lead consumption in 2016 totaled 11.53 million tons.

Looking at the major consuming countries, China and the United States are the two largest consumers. In 2016, their respective demand volumes were 5.02 million tons and 1.65 million tons, accounting for 43.5% and 14.3% of global total consumption, respectively. Among them, the Chinese market benefited from strong demand in the automotive industry, electric bicycles, and the telecommunications sector, resulting in a steady 2.45% increase in refined lead consumption. In the U.S., refined lead consumption remained stable, with a year-on-year increase of 0.98% in 2016. Among other countries, India saw an increase of 5.34%, and South Korea recorded a rise of 5.31%.