A beginner’s guide to lead: Price, uses & market overview

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On this page, we explore everything you need to know about lead. Gain insights into lead market trends, pricing mechanisms, and the environmental impact of lead. 

Read on to learn more about this popular commodity and find links to beginner friendly guides explaining how you can get involved in lead. 

What is lead?

Lead is a base metal that is blue and grey in colour. The element has been known and used by humans for thousands of years and dates back to ancient Egypt. Leads malleability and ductility made it a valuable resource and it was originally used in making tools, weapons, and weights. 

Today, lead is still considered a useful material that has widespread use across various industries. Lead is used in the production of lead-acid batteries, radiation shielding, paints, construction materials, ammunition and more. 

Although lead is an in demand metal, it is clouded by some controversy related to its toxicity. New research suggests that lead can cause a wide range of health problems including poisoning, neurological damage, and learning disabilities. Lead is also a pollutant to the environment and can contaminate soil, air, and water. 

Lead market overview

The lead market operates globally and is essential for many sectors including manufacturing, construction, and energy. The global lead market is worth $21.75 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow at an annual rate of 5.9% over the next five years reaching $32.49 billion by 2028. 

Lead is mostly traded on over-the-counter (OTC) markets. However, it is possible to trade lead futures contracts on exchanges like the London Metal Exchange (LME), the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE), and the Multi Commodity Exchange of India Limited (MCX).

In recent years, the price of lead has been volatile, with big fluctuations in price. Although, over the longer term, its value has been trending higher. In the past decade, the lead price has increased by approximately 100%. 

Is lead valuable? 

Yes, lead is a valuable commodity and there are numerous reasons why investors are attracted to the market. We have highlighted some of these key fundamentals below, explaining what they are and why they matter.

• It’s an essential component in lead-acid batteries. Lead batteries are the most widely used rechargeable batteries and makeup nearly 75% of all batteries produced. Lead is crucial for the production of these batteries which makes it an essential metal for a wide range of industries. 
• It can be used to shield against radiation. One of lead’s most productive uses is its ability to shield against radiation. This means it can be used in lots of applications including medical imaging equipment (x-rays), nuclear reactors, and industrial radiation sources. Lead can absorb radiation and protect people and equipment. 
• Lead is used in the construction industry. Lead is still used in a few construction materials like sheeting and solder. While not as popular as steel, lead is durable and resistant to corrosion making it a good solution in plumbing, roofing, and electrical wiring. 
• It can be recycled. Like other metals, lead can be used again which helps add to its sustainability credentials. Its scalability and ductility mean it can be easily shaped into various forms. This also allows for efficient recycling of lead, further adding to its value. 

How to invest in lead

You can invest in lead by using a commodity trading platform. These platforms offer a range of commodities and are very easy to use. There are different platforms suitable for specific requirements. 

Some let you buy lead, others let you trade lead, and many are designed for investing in the metal. Visit our dedicated guide to discover how to invest in lead.

Lead in your investment portfolio

A diverse investment portfolio can help protect you during market uncertainty, and the inclusion of lead can add value while allowing you to spread your money across various markets. 

Lead often moves independently to traditional investments like stocks and bonds. You can include lead in your portfolio as a hedge against potential losses. During times of economic uncertainty, investors view commodity grains such as lead as attractive options. 

Lead vs other commodities

Lead is part of the metals family of commodities, including gold, platinum, and palladium. Each commodity is unique in its own way and offers different features for investors and traders. You can learn more about specific precious metals using our dedicated guides below. 

• Gold. Gold is the most popular precious metal in the world.
• Platinum. Platinum is more expensive than gold on a weight-for-weight basis.
• Palladium. Palladium is a rare metal with industrial use. 

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