| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | China | FOB | USD 2,423.91/MT | May 2026 |
| Lead | India | CIF | USD 2,491.25/MT | May 2026 |
| Lead | USA | CIF | USD 2,543.10/MT | May 2026 |
| Lead | Brazil | CIF | USD 2,555.91/MT | May 2026 |
| Lead | Canada | CIF | USD 2,548.91/MT | May 2026 |
| Lead | China | FOB | USD 2,411.65/MT | April 2026 |
| Lead | India | CIF | USD 2,461.65/MT | April 2026 |
| Lead | USA | CIF | USD 2,498.65/MT | April 2026 |
| Lead | Brazil | CIF | USD 2,532.65/MT | April 2026 |
| Lead | Canada | CIF | USD 2,501.65/MT | April 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Lead prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
Asia
In China, Lead prices were ~RMB 16.47/kg in April and ~RMB 16.40/kg in May, showing a marginal decrease. The market stayed weak because lead-acid battery demand entered the off-season, distributor inventories were high, and battery makers purchased only for immediate needs. Cost support came from tight concentrates and higher scrap battery costs, but it was not enough to lift prices. However, in India, Lead prices were ~INR 233.62/kg in April and ~INR 236.68/kg in May, showing a ~1.3% increase. India was supported by steadier battery-linked demand and tighter Southeast Asian availability, where secondary lead smelter operations were restricted and regional premiums increased.
Europe
During Q2'26, Lead moved slightly upward as tight availability in the European markets during the first two months of the quarter, but the market weakened in June as visible inventories stayed heavy. LME stocks moved from 281,700 tons on April 1 to 314,000 tons on May 29, before easing to 297,375 tons by June 30. Demand support was limited because refined lead consumption in Europe was expected to grow only modestly in 2026. Mine-output pressure from Sweden and weaker UK refined output offered some support, but the wider surplus and high stocks kept buyers cautious.
North America
In the United States, Lead prices were ~USD 2,498.65/MT in April and ~USD 2,543.10/MT in the subsequent month, showing a ~1.8% increase. North American lead market was better supported than China because battery demand stayed firmer. Lead-acid batteries remained the main demand base, covering automotive starter batteries, standby power, and motive power uses. Supply was still dependent on recycling and imports, as the U.S. has no primary lead refinery and nearly all mine concentrate is exported. This kept buyers sensitive to scrap battery availability and refined lead import costs.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, looking ahead, lead price curve is likely to fluctuate in a narrow range. Battery restocking can support prices, but high visible stocks and global surplus risk may cap stronger gains.
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Asia
In Asia, lead prices showed a slightly firm trend supported by tightening supply conditions. In India, prices increased from ~INR 194.30/kg in January to ~INR 197.89/kg in March, reflecting a 2.87% quarter-on-quarter rise. The global supply surplus narrowed significantly to 9,700 tonnes from 31,600 tonnes in the previous month, reducing inventory pressure and supporting prices. Tight availability of lead concentrate and negative processing fees constrained raw material supply, while recycled lead output remained low due to losses and limited scrap battery availability. Demand from lead-acid battery manufacturers remained steady, with operating rates around stable levels, while procurement remained cautious and limited to immediate needs, restricting stronger price growth.
Europe
In Europe, lead prices declined from ~EUR 1.74/kg in January to ~EUR 1.67/kg in March, marking a 5.00% decrease. The decline was driven by weak demand conditions and inventory accumulation during the early part of the quarter. Seasonal slowdown during the February holiday period reduced downstream activity, while a delayed recovery in battery manufacturing led to weaker consumption. At the same time, stable primary supply combined with slow recovery in recycled production contributed to excess inventory buildup, which weighed on prices despite tightening global supply trends.
North America
In North America, lead prices followed a stable-to-soft trend due to balanced supply conditions and moderate demand. While global supply tightening provided some support, steady primary production and limited restocking activity kept price movements constrained. Demand from automotive batteries remained consistent but did not show strong growth, limiting upward momentum.
In appearance, Lead is a metallic gray element which has many different applications. Being soft and malleable, it has low melting point. It is widely utilised in the production of batteries, fusible alloys, ammunition, metal products (solder and pipes), as well as in the devices to shield X-rays.
Pb
Batteries, Cable sheaths, Machinery manufacturing, ShipbuildingLight industry, Lead oxide, Radiation protection
7439-92-1, Plumbum
Umicore N.V, American Elements, Glencore plc, Korea Zinc Co., Ltd., The Doe Run Resources Corporation, Hindustan Zinc Limited
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
The primary production of lead begins with the Sintering process, where concentrated lead ore is processed inside a sintering machine along with iron, silica, limestone fluxes, soda ash, pyrite, zinc, caustics or pollution control particulates. Smelting uitlises reduction substances, which are known for combining with the oxidising agents. Hence, reduction is the last step in this smelting process, which further produces elemental Lead.
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This study analyzes Lead Acetate Production from Elemental Lead, covering manufacturing, process flow, operating expenses, and financial considerations.
The study offers a detailed cost analysis of Lead Ingots Production from Lead Acid Batteries. In addition, the report incorporates the manufacturing process with detailed process and material flow, operating costs along with financial expenses and depreciation charges.
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