Lead; unwrought, unrefined, not containing by weight antimony as the principal other element

HS code 780199 covers the trade of unwrought, unrefined lead that does not contain antimony as the principal other element. Lead is a dense, malleable, and corrosion-resistant metal with a wide range of industrial applications. It plays a crucial role in the production of batteries, radiation shielding, and various alloys. The global lead market is closely tied to the performance of industries such as automotive, construction, and electronics, making it an important commodity within the broader economy.

The production of unwrought, unrefined lead (HS 780199) typically involves the mining and smelting of lead-containing ores. The ore is first crushed and concentrated to increase the lead content. It is then smelted in a furnace, where the lead is extracted and separated from other impurities. The resulting lead is then cast into ingots or other shapes for further processing or distribution.

The main inputs required for the production of unwrought, unrefined lead (HS 780199) include lead-containing ores, such as galena (lead sulfide), as well as energy sources, such as coal or natural gas, to power the smelting process. Additionally, specialized equipment, such as crushers, furnaces, and casting molds, are necessary for the various stages of production.

The primary output of HS code 780199 is unwrought, unrefined lead, which can be used as a raw material in the production of various lead-based products. These include 852520 lead-acid batteries, 854420 lead-sheathed electrical cables, and [nc_link(848110)(lead-based radiation shielding materials). The lead produced under this code may also be further refined and alloyed to create more specialized lead products, which would fall under different HS codes.