Insight
Lead: 5 things to look for in 2017
*Please note that this report only includes an Excel data file if this is indicated in "What's included" below
Report summary
This year holds the prospect of historically low concentrate stocks, restricted supply of refined lead and the price climbing strongly in reaction to this developing situation. Primary smelters, especially in China, will struggle with the shortfall in feed and competition for concentrates rich in by-product values to compensate for plummeting treatment charges. This is convincing markets that lead is undervalued and will push the price upwards throughout 2017. The key issues to watch this year are the performance of lead mines and smelters plus their impact on the concentrate market, premia and prices. Demand remains strong with record global automotive production and a resurgence in Chinese ebikes.
Table of contents
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Executive Summary
- 1. Supply shortfall will bring concentrate stocks to historical lows
- 2. Chinese smelters under pressure to perform but exposed to risk factors
- 3. Resurgence of Chinese ebike demand welcomed but will be short lived
- 4. The lead premium see-saw between US and Europe
- 5. Electric vehicles will not spark a decline in automotive lead use
Tables and charts
This report includes the following images and tables:
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Concentrate and refined stocks hit lowsGlobal refined lead deficits as price surgesE-trikes provide temporary respite in ebike consumption declineConventional engines dominate as EVs struggle to gain global traction
What's included
This report contains:
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