MERCOSUR: Refined Lead Market 2023

Refined Lead Market Size in MERCOSUR

The MERCOSUR refined lead market dropped to $X in 2022, declining by -8.4% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X, and then contracted in the following year.

Refined Lead Production in MERCOSUR

In value terms, refined lead production fell to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.3% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 33% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Refined Lead Exports

Exports in MERCOSUR

In 2022, shipments abroad of refined lead (unwrought) increased by 15% to X tons for the first time since 2017, thus ending a four-year declining trend. Over the period under review, exports enjoyed a modest expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when exports increased by 49% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, refined lead exports rose sharply to $X in 2022. Overall, exports continue to indicate modest growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 81%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Ecuador was the major exporter of refined lead (unwrought) in MERCOSUR, with the volume of exports resulting at X tons, which was near 58% of total exports in 2022. Brazil (X tons) held the second position in the ranking, followed by Peru (X tons), Paraguay (X tons) and Colombia (X tons). All these countries together held approx. 38% share of total exports. Argentina (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 Ecuador stood at +15.2%. At the same time, Paraguay (+106.2%), Colombia (+33.7%), Brazil (+17.0%) and Peru (+6.2%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Paraguay emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in MERCOSUR, with a CAGR of +106.2% from 2012-2022. By contrast, Argentina (-25.8%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Ecuador (+42 p.p.), Brazil (+9.1 p.p.), Paraguay (+8.7 p.p.), Colombia (+6.7 p.p.) and Peru (+4.1 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Argentina saw its share reduced by -61.2% from 2012 to 2022, respectively.

In value terms, Ecuador ($X) remains the largest refined lead supplier in MERCOSUR, comprising 57% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Brazil ($X), with a 12% share of total exports. It was followed by Peru, with an 11% share.

In Ecuador, refined lead exports expanded at an average annual rate of +15.2% over the period from 2012-2022. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Brazil (+16.1% per year) and Peru (+5.4% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, with a decrease of -4.6% against the previous year. In general, the export price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 an increase of 21% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, major exporting countries recorded the following prices: in Paraguay ($X per ton) and Brazil ($X per ton), while Colombia ($X per ton) and Peru ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Paraguay (+9.1%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Refined Lead Imports

Imports in MERCOSUR

In 2022, the amount of refined lead (unwrought) imported in MERCOSUR reduced sharply to X tons, which is down by -21.9% compared with the previous year. Over the period under review, imports recorded a pronounced decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 62% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, refined lead imports fell markedly to $X in 2022. Overall, imports showed a mild decline. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when imports increased by 88% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Brazil dominates imports structure, reaching X tons, which was approx. 91% of total imports in 2022. It was distantly followed by Colombia (X tons), comprising a 7.2% share of total imports.

Imports into Brazil decreased at an average annual rate of -1.2% from 2012 to 2022. Colombia experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. Brazil (+12 p.p.) and Colombia (+1.8 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported refined lead (unwrought) in MERCOSUR, comprising 92% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Colombia ($X), with a 6.3% share of total imports.

In Brazil, refined lead imports remained relatively stable over the period from 2012-2022.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2022, rising by 5.2% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.1%. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 an increase of 24% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Brazil ($X per ton), while Colombia amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Brazil (+1.5%).

Source: IndexBox Platform

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