Chinese November net Lead product exports hit 2014 high of 5,547 tons

China’s net exports of lead products, which include refined lead, lead alloy, lead plate, and other lead semis, hit 5,547 tons in November, the highest thus far in 2014, Customs reported.

China imported 1,402 tons of lead products in November, and exports climbed to 6,949 tons.

4,672 tons of refined lead and 1,872 tons of lead plate were shipped from China in November, with their combined number representing 94.2% of total lead product exports for the same month.

The SMM/LME lead price ratio left few profitable opportunities for lead exports, but many Chinese companies exported refined lead and lead plate in the form of processing trade, driving up the export volumes.

Taiwan and Vietnam were still major buyers of refined lead from mainland China, while lead plates were primarily exported to ASEAN members.