Understanding Lead prices
Raw materials and production
Lead is a dense metal obtained from lead-bearing ores and recycled material. Used lead-acid batteries are an important recycling feedstock. Refining and controlled handling are necessary because lead presents significant environmental and health concerns.
Applications and consumption
Lead-acid batteries consume lead in vehicles, backup power systems and industrial equipment. Other applications include shielding and specialised construction products. Battery replacement cycles connect demand to existing equipment as well as new vehicle sales.
What affects Lead prices?
Battery manufacturing, replacement demand, mine output and recycling volumes influence lead prices. Collection rates and environmental controls can change processing costs. Buyers distinguish refined metal from battery scrap and compare purity, freight and contract conditions before evaluating quotations.
How to read Lead price today
This page follows Lead in LME · London. The price type is Monthly average, with values expressed in USD/tonne. Compare quotations only after matching the product specification, unit, market and publication period. Changes in the chart describe the recorded series; they do not measure every transaction in the wider market. A local purchase may include freight, processing, taxes or dealer margins. Differences in quality or delivery conditions can therefore produce a different final cost even when the reference price is unchanged.
This is a monthly series. Its latest value belongs to the displayed publication month; a monthly average, settlement or contract reference is not an intraday price today.
Further reading: Royal Society of Chemistry — Lead ↗
Frequently asked questions about Lead
What is Lead price today?
The latest available value is 1,873.00 USD/tonne, for September 2026. It represents Monthly average. Check the displayed period and market before treating it as a quotation for a purchase today. This is a monthly series. Its latest value belongs to the displayed publication month; a monthly average, settlement or contract reference is not an intraday price today.
What affects Lead prices?
Battery manufacturing, replacement demand, mine output and recycling volumes influence lead prices. Collection rates and environmental controls can change processing costs. Buyers distinguish refined metal from battery scrap and compare purity, freight and contract conditions before evaluating quotations.
What is Lead used for in everyday life and industry?
Lead-acid batteries consume lead in vehicles, backup power systems and industrial equipment. Other applications include shielding and specialised construction products. Battery replacement cycles connect demand to existing equipment as well as new vehicle sales.
Why can local Lead prices differ from this chart?
Local offers may include delivery, processing, taxes and commercial margins. Differences in quality, product form, market and contract timing can also change the price. Compare the same specification and unit before drawing conclusions.
Where can I compare historical Lead prices?
Use the price chart and dated history table on this page, or download the CSV. Choose a period and keep the market, product and units consistent. Missing publication dates are not filled with invented observations.