WBMS: World Lead Market In 71,500-Ton Surplus Jan-Jul

LONDON, Sep 15, 2010 (Dow Jones Commodities News via Comtex) -- The global lead market was in surplus by 71,500 metric tons in January to July, the World Bureau of Metal Statistics said Wednesday.

This compares with a small surplus of 2,900 tons during the same period of 2009.

The WBMS said refined production was 3% higher than the first seven months of last year, at 5.172 million tons.

Total demand was 1.6% higher at 5.101 million tons, the WBMS said.

Chinese apparent consumption, it noted, now accounts for 43% of global demand.

Global lead mine production was 2.699 million tons, 24% higher than the total recorded in the first seven months of 2009.