SHANGHAI, Jul. 31 (SMM) –

Lead Concentrate
Data from China Customs showed that China’s lead concentrate imports totaled 165,600 mt in July, up 5.73% from 156,700 mt in June. YTD concentrate imports through July rose 22.6% YoY to 949,500 mt.

China’s lead concentrate imports were rising during the first seven months. SMM learns that 47,000 mt of imported lead concentrates in July were stored in bonded warehouses, particularly at the Port of Lianyungang and that some of these concentrates were likely not purchased by smelters. This is because the price of imported lead concentrates was well above that of domestic concentrates, leaving primary lead smelters reluctant to buy.

Australia, the US, Germany, Poland and North Korea were the top five suppliers, accounting for 69% of total imports. Prices of lead concentrate from Australia, the US and Germany averaged above USD 1,000/mt, while those of concentrate from Poland and North Korea averaged only USD 500/mt due to low grade and low silver content.

Refined Lead
Data from China Customs revealed that China imported 13 mt of refined lead in July from South Korea and Germany. YTD refined lead imports through the first seven months tumbled 71.86% YoY to 150 mt, 70% of which were from Japan.

China’s refined lead exports surged 51.38% MoM to 3,963 mt in July and YTD exports through July totaled 19,600 mt, up 86.79% YoY. 94% of China’s refined lead was exported to Vietnam, Taiwan, Indonesia, and South Korea in the first seven months.