U.S. exports of Lead Ores and Concentrates (SITC 28740) totaled $161.7M in August 2026, exported to 1 country.
Last updated: August 2026 dataLead concentrates — the sulfide-rich product of flotation milling at mine sites — are the primary traded form of this commodity, with galena (lead sulfide) as the dominant mineral. Smelters purchase concentrates on the basis of payable lead content, silver and other precious-metal credits, and penalty deductions for impurities such as arsenic, bismuth, and antimony, making assay documentation central to commercial transactions. Environmental and hazardous-materials regulations govern handling and transport, and importers should be aware that lead concentrates may trigger EPA reporting obligations under CERCLA and EPCRA thresholds.
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Arsenic, bismuth, antimony, and zinc are the most common penalty elements in lead concentrate treatment-charge contracts. High arsenic is particularly problematic because it increases smelter operating costs and creates hazardous waste streams. Buyers typically specify maximum acceptable levels in offtake agreements, and concentrates exceeding thresholds may be rejected or subject to steep price deductions.
Yes. Lead is a listed hazardous substance under CERCLA and a toxic chemical under EPCRA Section 313. Facilities that receive lead concentrates above applicable threshold quantities may have Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) reporting obligations to the EPA. Importers and receiving facilities should consult environmental compliance counsel to determine whether their specific volumes and operations trigger federal or state reporting requirements.
Basic heading 12 of 239 in section 2
Basic heading 28740 · $161.7M of $7.8B
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Exports · August 2026
destination
Canada and China together take 62% of it.
customs district
Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.
origin
Census does not publish state detail for this classification system.
entry
Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.
ImportsExports
Imports
—YoY · free account
Exports
$161.7MYoY · free account
Low of 6 reported months · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $61.0M of Lead Ores and Concentrates and exported $1.1B.
Through August 2026 · imports 6 of 12 months reported. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.