WBMS: Global Lead Market In 19,000-ton Deficit In 2010

LONDON, Feb 16 -- The global lead market was in surplus by 19,000 metric tons in 2010, the World Bureau of Metal Statistics said Wednesday.

This compares with a deficit of 79,000 tons during 2009.

The WBMS said global lead mine production was 4.1 million tons, slightly below the level recorded in 2009. Refined production was 5.5% higher than in 2009, at 9.3 million tons.

Total demand was 4.8% higher at 9.3 million tons, the WBMS said. Chinese apparent consumption, it said, accounted for 45% of global demand, and was 4.2 million tons in the period, up by 353,000 tons from the year before.