Dengwei International Trade is mainly engaged in various high-end steel import and export businesses, and is a brand enterprise in the metal circulation industry.
Views: 0 Author: Rachel Wynn Publish Time: 2025-06-19 Origin: Site
The price of lead per pound is a crucial benchmark for industries that depend heavily on this versatile metal—including battery manufacturing, radiation shielding, ammunition production, and metal recycling. For international buyers and procurement managers, understanding current market rates and the key factors that influence lead pricing is essential for making informed sourcing decisions. This article explores up-to-date global lead prices, the variables affecting supply and demand, and how to secure reliable bulk lead materials for export and industrial use.
Lead prices fluctuate daily based on international market demand, supply constraints, and economic indicators. As of the latest market data:
| Type of Lead | Average Price (USD/lb) | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Lead (99.99%) | $1.02 | June 2025 |
| Lead Ingots | $0.98 | June 2025 |
| Scrap Lead (Mixed) | $0.45 - $0.70 | June 2025 |
Prices can differ significantly by region and supplier terms. Bulk buyers may access better rates via long-term contracts or direct smelter relationships.
Global Demand: Driven largely by the automotive battery industry.
Mining Output: Supply-side factors from major producers like China, Australia, and Peru.
Recycling Rates: Lead is heavily recycled, especially from used car batteries.
Regulatory Environment: Emissions laws and hazardous material rules affect production costs.
Energy Prices: Smelting and refining are energy-intensive processes.
Understanding where lead is used helps contextualize its price. Major use cases include:
Lead-acid batteries (automotive, solar backup, telecom towers)
Radiation shielding in healthcare and nuclear sectors
Weights and ballast systems in aviation and diving
Alloying and casting in ammunition and electronics
Lead pricing has seen cyclical trends influenced by global manufacturing activity and geopolitical shifts. Here's a simplified look at historical averages:
| Year | Average Price (USD/lb) | Price Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $0.91 | — |
| 2022 | $1.01 | +11% |
| 2023 | $0.95 | -5.9% |
| 2024 | $1.00 | +5.3% |
Whether you're a wholesaler, manufacturer, or industrial buyer, here are tips to reduce your cost-per-pound:
Work directly with refineries or primary smelters.
Negotiate pricing on long-term contracts based on LME lead benchmarks.
Explore lead scrap markets for secondary sources.
Buy during demand off-seasons to avoid peak pricing.
| Region | Retail Price (USD/lb) | Typical Supplier |
|---|---|---|
| North America | $0.95 - $1.10 | Battery manufacturers, scrap dealers |
| Europe | $1.00 - $1.20 | Metal traders, recycling companies |
| Southeast Asia | $0.85 - $1.05 | Export-oriented foundries |
As of June 2025, the price of pure lead averages around $1.02 per pound, though scrap lead can vary from $0.45 to $0.70 depending on quality.
Lead prices are influenced by global demand, supply constraints, geopolitical events, recycling rates, and energy costs.
Yes. Scrap lead is significantly cheaper but may require additional processing depending on purity and form.
Yes. Many smelters and lead ingot producers sell directly in bulk. Long-term partnerships often yield the most competitive pricing.
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