Global Lead, Zinc Markets Post Surpluses in Jan-Apr 2026: ILZSG

Lead | 2026-06-23 06:25:16 | By Paul Ploumis

In the meantime, the global refined zinc market recorded a larger surplus of 145,000 tonnes, with inventories increasing by 58,000 tonnes.

Summary

Global refined lead market recorded a 7,000-tonne surplus during January-April 2026, with inventories increasing by 48,000 tonnes.
Global refined zinc market posted a 145,000-tonne surplus, while zinc inventories rose by 58,000 tonnes.
Zinc production and consumption grew strongly, whereas lead production declined slightly despite modest growth in demand.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The global lead and zinc markets recorded surpluses during the first four months of 2026, according to the latest preliminary data released by the International Lead and Zinc Study Group (ILZSG).

The ILZSG reported that the global refined lead market posted a surplus of 7,000 tonnes between January and April 2026, while total reported lead inventories increased by 48,000 tonnes. Global lead mine production remained largely unchanged from the same period last year, as declines in China, Sweden, and the U.S. were offset by gains in Portugal and Türkiye.

Global Lead Market Records Surplus as Inventories Decline- ILZSG

Refined lead production fell by 0.6%, mainly on account of lower output in China, Mexico, and South Korea. Meanwhile, global lead consumption edged up by 0.1%, supported by stronger demand in Brazil, Spain, and the U.S.

In the meantime, the global refined zinc market recorded a larger surplus of 145,000 tonnes, with inventories increasing by 58,000 tonnes. Zinc mine production rose 1.1%, driven by higher output in Portugal, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Brazil, China, and Mexico. Refined zinc production climbed 3.5%, while global zinc consumption increased 1.5%, driven by robust demand across Europe, China, India, Türkiye, and the U.S.