Eastern Asia: Refined Lead Market 2024

Refined Lead Market Size in Eastern Asia

The East Asian refined lead market declined to $X in 2022, standing approx. at the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Refined Lead Production in Eastern Asia

In value terms, refined lead production stood at $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 27%. Over the period under review, production attained the peak level in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Refined Lead Exports

Exports in Eastern Asia

For the third consecutive year, Eastern Asia recorded growth in overseas shipments of refined lead (unwrought), which increased by 14% to X tons in 2022. Total exports indicated a strong increase from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +9.5% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +21.8% against 2016 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 46% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked in 2022 and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, refined lead exports rose rapidly to $X in 2022. In general, exports continue to indicate prominent growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 42%. The level of export peaked in 2022 and is likely to continue growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

In 2022, South Korea (X tons) was the key exporter of refined lead (unwrought), comprising 65% of total exports. It was distantly followed by China (X tons), creating a 28% share of total exports. Taiwan (Chinese) (X tons) and Japan (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to refined lead exports from South Korea stood at +7.0%. At the same time, China (+48.7%) and Taiwan (Chinese) (+8.9%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, China emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Eastern Asia, with a CAGR of +48.7% from 2012-2022. By contrast, Japan (-6.2%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of China (+27 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2022, the share of Japan (-9.7 p.p.) and South Korea (-16.8 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, South Korea ($X) remains the largest refined lead supplier in Eastern Asia, comprising 65% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by China ($X), with a 29% share of total exports. It was followed by Taiwan (Chinese), with a 3.8% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in South Korea totaled +7.7%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: China (+50.4% per year) and Taiwan (Chinese) (+8.3% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Eastern Asia stood at $X per ton in 2022, almost unchanged from the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 an increase of 23% against the previous year. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2018 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, major exporting countries recorded the following prices: in China ($X per ton) and South Korea ($X per ton), while Taiwan (Chinese) ($X per ton) and Japan ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (+1.2%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Refined Lead Imports

Imports in Eastern Asia

In 2022, supplies from abroad of refined lead (unwrought) decreased by -1.8% to X tons, falling for the fourth consecutive year after two years of growth. In general, imports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 40% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, refined lead imports reduced slightly to $X in 2022. Overall, imports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 79% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, South Korea (X tons) represented the major importer of refined lead (unwrought), generating 51% of total imports. Taiwan (Chinese) (X tons) held the second position in the ranking, distantly followed by Japan (X tons). All these countries together held approx. 48% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for South Korea (with a CAGR of +1.1%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced a decline in the imports figures.

In value terms, the largest refined lead importing markets in Eastern Asia were South Korea ($X), Taiwan (Chinese) ($X) and Japan ($X), with a combined 99% share of total imports.

South Korea, with a CAGR of +2.2%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, among the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced a decline in the imports figures.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Eastern Asia stood at $X per ton in 2022, flattening at the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when the import price increased by 28% against the previous year. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2018 to 2022, the import prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was South Korea ($X per ton), while Taiwan (Chinese) ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Korea (+1.1%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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