LONDON, Jul 21, 2010 (Dow Jones Commodities News via Comtex) -- The global lead market was in a surplus of 68,400 metric tons in January to May, the World Bureau of Metal Statistics said Wednesday.

This compares with a smaller surplus of 12,700 tons during the same period in 2009.

Global refined lead production was 3.61 million tons and global refined lead consumption 3.54 million tons.

The WBMS said Chinese apparent consumption totaled 1.44 million tons of lead in January to May--12,000 tons above the first five months of 2009. China now accounts for 41% of global demand, it said.

Global lead mine production in January to May was 25% higher on the year at 1.79 million tons.