WBMS: Global Lead Market In 5,000-Ton Deficit In January

LONDON, Mar 17, 2010 (Dow Jones Commodities News via Comtex) -- The global lead market was in a 5,000 metric ton deficit in January 2010, the World Bureau of Metal Statistics said Wednesday.

That compares with a surplus of 14,000 tons recorded in the first month of 2009.

Lead mine production was 409,000 tons with Chinese output dominating the global supply, WBMS said. Refined production from both primary and secondary sources was 798,700 tons.

Chinese apparent consumption totaled 358,000 tons in January 2010, which was up 80,000 tons from the comparable month in 2009.

"Based on incomplete reporting, both production and demand appeared to be substantially improved from the depressed January 2009 data," the group said.