By  Paul Ploumis 29 Sep 2015  Last updated at  03:44:38 GMT

BRUSSELS (Scrap Monster): The global lead market has recorded a small surplus of 55,000 tonnes during January to July this year, as mentioned in the latest metals balances report published by the World Bureau of Metal Statistics (WBMS). It must be noted that the worldwide lead market had reported a deficit of 10,400 tonnes for the entire year 2014.

The global refined lead output during Jan-Jul ’15 declined by 1.97% over the previous year to 5,994 kt. This is inclusive of production from primary and secondary sources.

The global lead demand during Jan-July ’15 has dropped by 187 kt. The Chinese apparent consumption recorded sharp fall of 67,000 tonnes during this period to total 2,401 kt. The Chinese demand accounted for just over 40% of the global demand. Also, the US apparent consumption has dropped by 64,000 tonnes.

According to the report, reported stocks of the metal at the end of July this year dropped by 57.3 kt when matched with the stock levels during end-2014.

The refined lead production during July 2015 alone totaled 887.7 kt. The lead consumption during the month totaled 873.10 kt.