ILZSG Posted Surplus World Lead Market in Jan-Apr '25

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): According to the most recent issue of the International Lead and Zinc Study Group's (ILZSG) monthly "Lead and Zinc Statistics Bulletin," the world's supply of refined lead metal surpassed demand by 22kt in the first four months of 2025. According to a recent press release, the overall reported lead inventory levels rose by 13,000 tonnes during this time.

Global lead mine production increased by a modest 1.4% between January and April of this year. Increased production in China, Peru, and Europe—where new mining capacity was recently put into service—was the primary cause of this.

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During this period, Canada, China, India, the Republic of Korea, and Sweden have all seen increases in refined lead metal production of 1.4%, which has been slightly offset by decreases in Japan, Kazakhstan, and the United Kingdom.

The use of refined lead metal increased by 2.6%, mostly due to increases in the Philippines, Taiwan, the United States, Vietnam, and the Republic of Korea. Demand increased in Europe as well, primarily due to growth in Germany, France, and the Czech Republic. On the other hand, usage decreased in Japan and India year over year.

The total monthly production of lead mines globally in April of this year was 380.1 kt, according to the ILZSG monthly numbers. Globally, 1,119.2 kt of refined lead metal was produced during the month, compared to 1,126.1 kt of lead metal used.