Lead prices averaged USD 1,990 per metric ton in May, up 3.2% from April. On 29 May, the commodity traded at USD 1,984 per metric ton, up 2.1% from 30 April.
In May, average lead prices climbed at their fastest rate in 14 months; optimism over a U.S.-Iran ceasefire boosted expectations that global consumption and industrial activity would improve. Moreover, stronger demand for electric vehicles—where lead is used in batteries—provided additional support, as did a weaker U.S. dollar.
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 | - | 2,166 | 2,038 | 2,004 | 1,969 | 1,945 | 1,966 | 1,968 | 1,930 | - | - | - |