Lead prices averaged USD 1,871 per metric ton in September, up 0.8% from August. On 30 September, the commodity traded at USD 1,837 per metric ton, down 1.9% from 31 August.
In September, average lead prices edged higher compared with August, driven by stronger seasonal demand for car and bicycle batteries, as well as front-loaded purchases ahead of the Chinese Golden Week holidays. Despite this increase, prices remained near post-pandemic lows, making lead one of the worst-performing base metals so far this year. The weakness is likely due to ample supply and elevated inventories on the London Metal Exchange.
This chart displays Lead (US$/mt) from 2024 to 2026.
Lead LME (prices in US$/mt, aop)
| Q1 2024 | Q2 2024 | Q3 2024 | Q4 2024 | Q1 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q4 2025 | Q1 2026 | Q2 2026 | Q3 2026 | Q4 2026 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead LME | - | - | - | 2,004 | 1,969 | 1,945 | 1,966 | 1,968 | 1,930 | 1,954 | 1,856 | - |