Lead increased 138.50 USD/MT or 7.10% since the beginning of 2025, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Lead - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on March of 2025.

In the H2 of 2023, the average price of the lead in the United States reached 2543 USD/MT. Similarly, in China, the lead prices hit 2310 USD/MT in the second half of the year. It encompasses an in-depth review of spot price of Lead at major ports, a breakdown of prices including Ex Works, FOB, and CIF, alongside a region-wise dissection of Lead price trend across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

In 2023, the average price for lead stood at 2,136 nominal U.S. dollars per metric ton. It is forecast that in 2026 the price of one metric ton of lead will amount to 2,100 nominal U.S. dollars.

This statistic represents the projected LME lead price between 2012 and 2020. In 2017, one pound of lead is expected to cost around 85 U.S. dollar cents. Lead is a base metal which is predominantly used in battery manufacturing and cable sheathing.

The UK lead market was finally on the rise to reach $815M in 2024, after two years of decline. Overall, consumption showed a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $963M. From 2018 to 2024, the growth of the market remained at a lower figure.

In 2023, the price of the lead ingot in China reached 2202 USD/MT by December. It encompasses an in-depth review of spot price of lead ingot at major ports, a breakdown of prices including Ex Works, FOB, and CIF, alongside a region-wise dissection of lead ingot price trend across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: All Other Miscellaneous Secondary Nonferrous Metals, Including Lead and Zinc (WPU10240801) from Jun 2011 to Feb 2025 about lead, nonferrous metals, miscellaneous, secondary, metals, commodities, PPI, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

Explore how the LME lead spot price, quoted in U.S. dollars per tonne, influences the metal industry by reflecting supply and demand dynamics, economic trends, and technological advancements. Understand its impact on mining, manufacturing, and trading decisions, and its role in hedging and speculation in the global lead market.

The global lead market rose slightly to $36.9B in 2024, picking up by 3.3% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.3% over the period from 2012 to 2024; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the global market reached the peak level at $37.1B in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, consumption remained at a lower figure.

The report covers Global Lead Industry Growth and Share. The market is segmented by application (ammunition, batteries, construction, electronics, marine, plumbing, and other applications) and geography (Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, South America, Middle-East and Africa). The market size and forecasts are provided in terms of revenue (USD million) for all the above segments.

China Settlement Price: Shanghai Future Exchange: Lead: 1st Month data was reported at 17,485.000 RMB/Ton in 25 Mar 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 17,560.000 RMB/Ton for 24 Mar 2025. China Settlement Price: Shanghai Future Exchange: Lead: 1st Month data is updated daily, averaging 15,355.000 RMB/Ton from Mar 2011 (Median) to 25 Mar 2025, with 3402 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 22,535.000 RMB/Ton in 29 Nov 2016 and a record low of 11,945.000 RMB/Ton in 14 Jan 2015. China Settlement Price: Shanghai Future Exchange: Lead: 1st Month data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Shanghai Futures Exchange. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Financial Market – Table CN.ZB: Shanghai Futures Exchange: Commodity Futures: Settlement Price: Daily.

Explore the Lead Market trends! Covers key players, growth rate 7.6% CAGR, market size $28.63 Billion, and forecasts to 2034. Get insights now!

Lead and Zinc Market size was valued at USD 27.35 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 39.53 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.20% from 2024 to 2031.

Lead and Zinc Market Drivers

“Growth in End-Use Sectors:

Urbanization and Infrastructure Development: The rising global demand for new buildings, roads, and infrastructure fuels the demand for lead-acid batteries used in construction equipment and galvanized steel for building materials.

Automotive Industry: Lead is still used in some automotive applications like starter batteries and wheel weights, while zinc finds use in corrosion protection and component manufacturing.

Electrical and Electronics: Zinc plays a crucial role in electrical applications like coatings for wires and connectors, while lead finds limited use in some electronic components.

Consumer Goods: Zinc is a vital component in die-casting for various consumer goods like appliances and hardware, while lead usage in some products is being phased out due to environmental concerns.

Irreplaceable Properties and Cost-Effectiveness:

Unique Properties of Lead: Lead-acid batteries offer a reliable and cost-effective energy storage solution for vehicles and off-grid applications due to their high power density and durability.

Versatility of Zinc: Zinc’s corrosion resistance, formability, and strength make it a valuable material for various applications across different industries.

Cost-Competitive Edge: Lead and zinc often provide cost-effective solutions compared to alternative materials in many applications, ensuring their continued market relevance.

Technological Advancements and Recycling:

Battery Technology Improvements: Advancements in lead-acid battery technology are enhancing their efficiency, lifespan, and recyclability, promoting their continued use.

Zinc-Based Alloys and Composites: Development of new zinc-based alloys and composites with improved properties could expand their application range in various sectors.

Focus on Sustainability: Increased focus on recycling and resource efficiency is leading to advancements in lead and zinc recycling technologies, promoting a more sustainable market.

Additional Market Drivers:

Growing Demand in Developing Economies: Rapid industrialization and infrastructure development in emerging economies create new market opportunities for lead and zinc.

Limited Substitute Availability: For many applications, lead and zinc offer unique properties that are difficult or expensive to replicate with readily available substitutes.

Government Regulations and Policies: Government regulations promoting energy efficiency and battery recycling can indirectly drive the lead-acid battery market.

While the Lead and Zinc Market presents growth opportunities, some challenges require attention:

Environmental Concerns: Lead exposure can have negative health impacts, and stricter environmental regulations on lead use and disposal pose challenges for the market.

Lead Phasedown in Certain Products: The phasing out of lead in some products like paints and gasoline due to environmental concerns can limit its market potential in those sectors.

Price Fluctuations: The Lead and Zinc Market can be susceptible to fluctuations in raw material prices and global economic conditions.

The Indian lead market expanded to $1.5B in 2024, picking up by 2% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.1% from 2012 to 2024; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Lead consumption peaked at $1.7B in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2024, consumption remained at a lower figure.

The lead market is projected to register a CAGR of over 5% during the forecast period. Over the short term, the growing demand for lead-acid batteries globally is expected to drive market growth. Conventional lead-acid batteries have a significant history of providing energy storage for a wide range of end-use applications, in mobile as well as stationary applications.

Scope Of Report

European Union - Producer prices in industry: Lead, zinc and tin production was 113.40 points in December of 2024, according to the EUROSTAT. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for European Union - Producer prices in industry: Lead, zinc and tin production - last updated from the EUROSTAT on March of 2025. Historically, European Union - Producer prices in industry: Lead, zinc and tin production reached a record high of 133.80 points in April of 2022 and a record low of 39.90 points in January of 2005.

Recycled Lead Market size was valued at USD 17.79 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 21.92 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 2.92% from 2024 to 2031.

The global Recycled Lead Market is growing at a rapid growth rate over the past few years. Many countries have implemented regulations and standards that mandate the proper disposal and recycling of lead-containing products, such as lead-acid batteries. These regulations drive the growth of the Recycled Lead industry by creating a demand for proper recycling infrastructure and practices. Compliance with these regulations ensures the safe handling and processing of lead-based materials. The Global Recycled Lead Market report provides a holistic evaluation of the market. The report offers a comprehensive analysis of key segments, trends, drivers, restraints, competitive landscape, and factors that are playing a substantial role in the market.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Industry: Copper, Nickel, Lead and Zinc Mining (PCU212230212230) from Jun 1988 to Jan 2025 about zinc, lead, nickel, copper, mining, metals, PPI, industry, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

The Ghanian lead market dropped to $55M in 2024, waning by -4.2% against the previous year. In general, consumption recorded a perceptible descent. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $84M in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2024, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The size and share of the market is categorized based on Type (5N, 6N, 7N, Others) and Application (Semiconductor, Mechanical Devices, Solder, Automobile Battery, Architecture, Others) and geographical regions (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle-East and Africa).