SHANGHAI, Feb. 1 (SMM) –

Lead-Acid Battery Output Up 4.49% in December
The decline in China’s lead-acid battery output was arrested in December as the output rose 4.49% MoM to 15.95 million KVAH, its second highest in 2012. Total 2012 output was 175 million KVAH, up as much as 27.35% from 2011’s 140 million KVAH.

China Lead Concentrate Output Continue Downtrend in December
Data from the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNIA) indicated that China produced 234,100 mt of lead concentrate (lead content) in December 2012, down 9.14% from 257,600 mt in the previous month, and hitting the lowest level since March 2012. Total 2012 output was 2.84 million mt (lead content), up 20.36% YoY.

China Refined Lead Output Remains Flat in 2012
Data from the CNIA showed that China’s refined lead output in December 2012 was 421,800 mt, down 4.55% from November. The total output through 2012 was 4.646 million mt, flat at 2011’s total.

Lead Concentrate Imports Up 25.69% in 2012
China’s lead concentrate imports totaled 1.82 million mt (physical content) or 1.03 million mt in lead content in 2012, ending the negative imports growth saw in 2010 and 2011 by climbing 25.69% YoY. Imports made up 26.71% of China’s lead concentrate supply in 2012.