Global lead market ends in small surplus during Jan-Aug ​15

By Paul Ploumis (ScrapMonster Author)
October 26, 2015 03:39:21 AM
The global lead market has ended in a small surplus during the initial eight -month period of the year.Global lead market ends in small surplus during Jan-Aug '15
BRUSSELS (Scrap Monster): The global lead market has recorded a small surplus of 52,000 tonnes during January to August 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 2,400 tonnes for the entire year 2014.

The global refined lead output during Jan-Aug ’15 declined by 6.5% over the previous year to 6,612 kt. This is inclusive of production from primary and secondary sources.

The global lead demand during Jan-Aug ’15 has dropped by 532 kt. The Chinese apparent consumption recorded sharp fall of 362,000 tonnes during this period to total 2,550 kt. The Chinese demand accounted for just over 39% of the global demand. Also, the US apparent consumption has dropped by 95,000 tonnes.

According to the report, reported stocks of the metal at the end of August this year dropped by 86.4 kt when matched with the stock levels during end-2014.

The refined lead production during August 2015 alone totaled 808.6 kt. The lead consumption during the month totaled 791.20 kt.