WBMS: World Lead Market in 16,300-ton Surplus January-August

LONDON, Oct 20, 2010 (Dow Jones Commodities News via Comtex) -- The global lead market was in surplus by 16,300 metric tons in January-August this year, the World Bureau of Metal Statistics said Wednesday.

This compares with a deficit of 19,900 tons during the same period 2009.

The WBMS said refined production was 3% higher than the first eight months of last year, at 5.969 million tons.

Total demand was 2.6% higher at 5.953 million tons, the WBMS said. Chinese apparent consumption, it said, accounted for 43% of global demand.

Global lead mine production was 3.094 million tons, 23% higher than the total recorded in January to August 2009.