China Lead Exports Continued Rising in April

SHANGHAI, Jun. 3 (SMM) – China Customs reported that China’s refined lead imports in April were 161 mt, nearly 40 times higher than the 4 mt recorded in March. YTD imports through April, however, fell 78.16% YoY to 437 mt.

 

A persistently low Shanghai/LME lead price ratio and ample supply of domestic lead continued to limit lead imports, with monthly import volumes remaining below 500 mt since 2011, and having little effect on China’s total lead supply.

 

China’s lead exports increased in April to 2,617 mt, up almost 30% MoM and rising for a fifth consecutive month, with lead plate exports especially strong. Although exports of lead plates were down in April due to a higher Shanghai/LME lead price ratio, the 2,768 mt exported was more than double the average volume last year.

 

China’s lead exports in April were mainly shipped to South Korea, India, and Thailand, with those sent to South Korea accounting for almost half of the total.