In 2023, Japan imported lead ores and concentrates amounting to approximately 70 million kilograms. Forecasts indicate a declining trend from 2024, with imports decreasing annually: 66.098 million kilograms in 2024, dropping to 45.108 million kilograms by 2028. This reflects an annual compound average growth rate (CAGR) of approximately -8.5% over the forecast period.

Future trends to watch for:

Shifts in global demand and supply that could impact lead prices and availability.
Japan’s domestic technological advancements reducing dependency on imports.
Environmental regulations influencing lead import volumes.