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Refined production totaled 6.58 million mt, while consumption was at 6.51 million mt.
This compares with a deficit of 43,000 mt in the first nine months of 2008.
Refined metal production increased by 2.3% mostly due to an 18.8% rise in Chinese output.
"This was, however, partially offset by lower production in Australia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Spain, the USA and a number of other countries," ILZSG said.
Lead mine production decreased to 2.89 million mt in January to September from 2.90 million mt in the year-earlier period.
"Decreases in lead mine output in Australia, Canada, Peru and Poland marginally exceeded increases in Bolivia, China, Mexico and the Russian Federation," ILZSG said.
A substantial increase in Chinese apparent refined lead metal demand of about 26% was, to a large extent, balanced by reductions of around 18% in Europe, about 9% in the USA and more than 36% in Japan.
During the nine-month period, stock levels increased by 66,000 mt.
Demand for lead eased to just over 752,000 mt in September, compared with 776,500 mt in August.
Three-month lead rose to USD 2,429/30/mt in the official session on the London Metal Exchange on Wednesday. Prices rose as high as UDS 2,447.75/mt after opening at USD 2,375/mt.
(Source: Metal Bulletin)
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