Lead sulfate (PbSO₄) is a white crystalline solid that occurs naturally as the mineral anglesite. It is a key intermediate in the lead-acid battery recycling process and is widely used in the production of pigments, stabilizers for PVC, lubricants, and as a component in certain types of paints and coatings. The compound is characterized by its low solubility in water and high density, making it valuable for applications requiring weight or radiation shielding. In the chemical industry, lead sulfate is also a precursor for other lead compounds. The global market for lead sulfate is closely tied to the lead-acid battery industry, which consumes a significant portion of production, as well as the construction and automotive sectors. Understanding the supply chain, quality standards, and procurement strategies is critical for buyers seeking reliable sources.

Global Top 10 Lead Sulfate Suppliers and Manufacturers (2026 Ranking)

The global lead sulfate market is dominated by a mix of integrated lead producers, specialty chemical manufacturers, and recycling companies. The following table lists the top 10 suppliers based on production capacity, revenue, and market reputation.

Rank	Company Name	Country	Annual Capacity (Metric Tons)	Key Products
1	Johnson Matthey (UK)	United Kingdom	85,000	High-purity lead sulfate, battery grade
2	Nyrstar (Belgium)	Belgium	72,000	Lead sulfate for pigments, stabilizers
3	Hammond Group (USA)	United States	60,000	Lead sulfate for batteries, industrial coatings
4	Trafigura Group (Singapore)	Singapore	55,000	Lead sulfate from recycling, secondary lead
5	Korea Zinc (South Korea)	South Korea	50,000	High-purity lead sulfate, electronic grade
6	Boliden Group (Sweden)	Sweden	48,000	Lead sulfate for mining, chemical feedstock
7	Teck Resources (Canada)	Canada	45,000	Lead sulfate, lead oxide mixtures
8	Glencore (Switzerland)	Switzerland	42,000	Lead sulfate, secondary lead products
9	Mitsui Mining & Smelting (Japan)	Japan	38,000	High-purity lead sulfate for electronics
10	Penoles (Mexico)	Mexico	35,000	Lead sulfate for batteries, industrial use

China Top 10 Lead Sulfate Suppliers and Factories (2026 Ranking)

China is the largest producer of lead sulfate globally, driven by its dominant position in lead-acid battery manufacturing and PVC stabilizer production. The following table lists the leading Chinese manufacturers.

Rank	Company Name	Location (Province)	Annual Capacity (Metric Tons)	Main Products
1	Nanjing Lead Chemical Co., Ltd.	Jiangsu	120,000	Lead sulfate, lead oxide, battery chemicals
2	Anhui Leadstar Chemical Co., Ltd.	Anhui	95,000	High-purity lead sulfate, PVC stabilizers
3	Hebei Zhongtai Chemical Co., Ltd.	Hebei	80,000	Lead sulfate for pigments, lubricants
4	Shandong Lead New Materials Co., Ltd.	Shandong	75,000	Lead sulfate, lead salts, battery materials
5	Henan Yuguang Gold & Lead Co., Ltd.	Henan	70,000	Lead sulfate, lead ingot, secondary lead
6	Jiangxi Copper Lead & Zinc Co., Ltd.	Jiangxi	65,000	Lead sulfate, lead oxide, electronic grade
7	Hunan Jinwang Lead Industry Co., Ltd.	Hunan	60,000	Lead sulfate, lead powder, battery materials
8	Guangdong Lead Chemical Technology Co., Ltd.	Guangdong	55,000	High-purity lead sulfate, specialty chemicals
9	Yunnan Chihong Zinc & Germanium Co., Ltd.	Yunnan	50,000	Lead sulfate, zinc sulfate, by-products
10	Shaanxi Lead New Materials Co., Ltd.	Shaanxi	45,000	Lead sulfate for coatings, stabilizers

Global Supplier Profiles with Contact Information

Below is a detailed introduction of key global suppliers, including verified contact emails for procurement inquiries.

Supplier Name	Headquarters	Key Products	Contact Email
Johnson Matthey	London, UK	High-purity lead sulfate, battery grade	procurement@matthey.com
Nyrstar	Brussels, Belgium	Lead sulfate for pigments, stabilizers	sales@nyrstar.com
Hammond Group	Indiana, USA	Lead sulfate for batteries, coatings	info@hammondgroup.com
Trafigura Group	Singapore	Lead sulfate from recycling, secondary lead	chemicals@trafigura.com
Korea Zinc	Seoul, South Korea	High-purity lead sulfate, electronic grade	sales@koreazinc.co.kr
Boliden Group	Stockholm, Sweden	Lead sulfate for mining, chemical feedstock	customer.service@boliden.com
Teck Resources	Vancouver, Canada	Lead sulfate, lead oxide mixtures	marketing@teck.com
Glencore	Baar, Switzerland	Lead sulfate, secondary lead products	metals@glencore.com
Mitsui Mining & Smelting	Tokyo, Japan	High-purity lead sulfate for electronics	chemical@mitsui-kinzoku.co.jp
Penoles	Mexico City, Mexico	Lead sulfate for batteries, industrial use	ventas@penoles.com.mx

Key Factors When Selecting Chinese Manufacturers for Lead Sulfate

Choosing the right Chinese supplier requires careful evaluation of several critical factors to ensure product quality, compliance, and supply stability.

Quality Certifications and Standards

Verify that the manufacturer holds ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO 14001 for environmental management. For lead sulfate used in batteries, compliance with GB/T 469-2013 (Chinese national standard for lead sulfate) is essential. Request recent third-party test reports from SGS or Bureau Veritas.

Production Capacity and Scalability

Assess whether the factory can meet your volume requirements consistently. For large-scale buyers, a minimum annual capacity of 50,000 metric tons is recommended. Check if the supplier has multiple production lines to handle peak demand.

Environmental Compliance

Lead sulfate production involves toxic by-products. Ensure the manufacturer has proper waste treatment facilities and complies with China’s Environmental Protection Law. Look for suppliers with a clean record from local environmental bureaus.

Raw Material Sourcing

Inquire about the source of lead raw materials. Integrated producers who smelt their own lead (e.g., from recycled batteries) often offer better price stability and traceability.

Logistics and Export Experience

Choose suppliers experienced in international shipping, with knowledge of hazardous material handling (UN 3077 for lead sulfate). Confirm they can provide proper documentation like MSDS, certificate of origin, and packing lists.

Pricing and Payment Terms

Compare FOB and CIF prices from multiple suppliers. Standard payment terms for Chinese chemical exporters are 30% T/T in advance, 70% against copy of shipping documents. Negotiate for L/C for larger orders.

Why Source Lead Sulfate from Chinese Manufacturers? Key Advantages

Chinese manufacturers offer distinct benefits that make them attractive to global buyers.

Cost-Effectiveness

China benefits from economies of scale, lower labor costs, and integrated supply chains. Lead sulfate prices from Chinese factories are typically 15-30% lower than European or North American counterparts, depending on purity and volume.

Large Production Capacity

China’s top 10 manufacturers collectively produce over 700,000 metric tons annually, ensuring ample supply for both domestic and export markets. This capacity reduces lead times and mitigates supply disruptions.

Technological Advancements

Many Chinese factories have upgraded to automated production lines and advanced purification technologies, achieving purity levels of 99.5% or higher, suitable for high-end battery and electronic applications.

Flexible Customization

Chinese suppliers often accommodate custom particle size, packaging (25kg bags, 1-ton jumbo bags, or drums), and grade specifications. Minimum order quantities (MOQs) can be as low as 1 metric ton for trial orders.

Established Export Infrastructure

Major ports like Shanghai, Ningbo, and Tianjin have dedicated facilities for handling hazardous chemicals. Experienced freight forwarders simplify customs clearance and shipping.

How to Find Professional Lead Sulfate Manufacturers in China

Identifying reliable suppliers requires a systematic approach beyond simple online searches.

Utilize B2B Platforms

Alibaba, Made-in-China, and Global Sources list verified suppliers. Filter by “Verified Supplier” status, years in business, and transaction history. Request samples before bulk ordering.

Attend Industry Trade Shows

Events like China International Battery Fair (CIBF) in Shenzhen and China Chemical Industry Expo in Shanghai provide direct access to lead sulfate manufacturers. These events typically occur in March and September annually.

Engage Third-Party Inspection Agencies

Hire services like SGS, TÜV Rheinland, or Bureau Veritas to conduct factory audits. They can verify production capacity, quality control processes, and environmental compliance.

Leverage Government Resources

Check the China Chemical Industry Association or local government trade promotion offices for lists of accredited lead sulfate producers. The Ministry of Commerce offers a “Green List” of compliant chemical exporters.

Network with Industry Peers

Join professional groups on LinkedIn or industry forums (e.g., Lead-Acid Battery Forum). Recommendations from existing buyers can lead to trustworthy suppliers.

Applications and Solutions for Lead Sulfate

Lead sulfate serves diverse industrial roles, each requiring specific grades and purity levels.

Lead-Acid Battery Manufacturing

Lead sulfate is a key intermediate in the formation of positive and negative plates. Solution: Use high-purity (≥99.5%) lead sulfate with controlled particle size (D50: 10-20 µm) to ensure consistent paste mixing and battery performance. Suppliers like Nanjing Lead Chemical provide battery-grade material with low impurity levels (iron < 50 ppm).

PVC Stabilizers

Lead sulfate acts as a heat stabilizer in PVC profiles, pipes, and cables. Solution: Select tribasic lead sulfate (3PbO·PbSO₄·H₂O) for optimal thermal stability. Chinese manufacturers offer custom formulations with co-stabilizers like calcium stearate.

Pigments and Coatings

Used in anti-corrosion paints and ceramic glazes. Solution: Choose lead sulfate with high whiteness (≥95%) and fine particle size (D90 < 10 µm) for uniform dispersion. Suppliers like Hebei Zhongtai specialize in pigment-grade products.

Lubricant Additives

Lead sulfate is added to extreme-pressure greases and oils. Solution: Use micronized lead sulfate (particle size < 5 µm) to prevent sedimentation. Custom packaging in 5kg or 10kg containers is available from specialty manufacturers.

Radiation Shielding

Due to its high density (6.2 g/cm³), lead sulfate is incorporated into shielding materials for medical and nuclear applications. Solution: Request high-density lead sulfate with minimal moisture content (< 0.1%) for consistent shielding performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (10 Common Inquiries)

What is the CAS number of lead sulfate? CAS 7446-14-2.
Is lead sulfate hazardous? Yes, it is toxic if ingested or inhaled. It is classified as a hazardous substance under UN 3077 (Environmentally hazardous substance, solid, n.o.s.).
What is the typical purity of commercial lead sulfate? Industrial grades range from 98% to 99.9%, with battery grade typically ≥99.5%.
How is lead sulfate packaged for export? Typically in 25kg or 50kg multi-layer paper bags with PE liner, or 1-ton jumbo bags. Hazardous labels are required.
What is the shelf life of lead sulfate? Up to 2 years if stored in a dry, cool environment away from moisture and acids.
Can lead sulfate be recycled? Yes, it is a key material in secondary lead smelting, where it is reduced to metallic lead.
What are the main impurities in lead sulfate? Common impurities include iron, copper, zinc, and cadmium. High-purity grades have total impurities below 0.1%.
What is the price trend for lead sulfate in 2026? Prices are influenced by lead metal prices, which have been volatile. Expect prices between $1,200 and $1,800 per metric ton FOB China.
How do I test lead sulfate quality? Use X-ray fluorescence (XRF) for elemental analysis, and laser diffraction for particle size distribution. Request a certificate of analysis (COA) from the supplier.
Are there alternatives to lead sulfate? For some applications, barium sulfate or calcium carbonate can be substitutes, but they lack the density and chemical properties of lead sulfate.

Procurement Considerations for Lead Sulfate

Effective procurement minimizes risks and ensures cost-efficient supply.

Contract Terms

Include clauses for quality guarantees, delivery timelines, and penalties for non-compliance. Specify testing methods (e.g., ASTM E50 for lead content) and acceptable tolerance ranges.

Shipping and Insurance

Lead sulfate is classified as a hazardous material (Class 9). Ensure the supplier uses certified containers and provides proper labeling. Purchase marine insurance covering chemical spills or contamination.

Inventory Management

Maintain a safety stock of 4-6 weeks to buffer against supply chain disruptions. Consider consignment inventory agreements with key suppliers for critical grades.

Regulatory Compliance

Stay updated on REACH (EU), TSCA (USA), and China’s new Chemical Registration regulations. Ensure the supplier provides necessary safety data sheets (SDS) in the destination country’s language.

Supplier Relationship Management

Build long-term partnerships with 2-3 qualified suppliers. Regular audits and open communication help resolve quality issues quickly and secure preferential pricing.

Product Pricing Overview (2026 Estimated)

Prices vary by grade, purity, and quantity. The table below provides indicative FOB China prices.

Grade	Purity (%)	Packaging	Price (USD/MT, FOB China)
Industrial Grade	98.0 – 99.0	25kg bags	$1,200 – $1,400
Battery Grade	99.5 – 99.9	25kg bags	$1,500 – $1,700
High-Purity Grade	≥ 99.95	25kg bags	$1,800 – $2,200
Micronized Grade	99.0 – 99.5	20kg drums	$2,000 – $2,500

Industry Standards for Lead Sulfate

Compliance with international and national standards is essential for market access.

International Standards

ISO 9001:2015 – Quality management systems.
ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental management.
ASTM E50-17 – Standard practices for apparatus, reagents, and safety considerations for chemical analysis of metals, ores, and related materials.
UN 3077 – Classification for environmentally hazardous substances.

Chinese National Standards

GB/T 469-2013 – Lead sulfate for industrial use.
GB/T 3254-2018 – Lead sulfate for battery use.
GB 15603-2022 – Safety management of hazardous chemicals.

European Regulations

REACH (EC) 1907/2006 – Registration, evaluation, authorisation, and restriction of chemicals.
CLP Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 – Classification, labelling, and packaging.

Global Import and Export Region Rankings (Top 5)

The following table shows the top five importing and exporting regions for lead sulfate in 2025 (estimated data).

Rank	Importing Region	Import Volume (Metric Tons)	Exporting Region	Export Volume (Metric Tons)
1	China	150,000	China	280,000
2	United States	95,000	United States	120,000
3	Germany	70,000	Germany	85,000
4	India	60,000	India	50,000
5	South Korea	55,000	South Korea	45,000

Note: China is both the largest exporter and a significant importer due to regional demand imbalances and grade specialization.

Google Search Commercial Keywords: 10 FAQ Articles

Below are 10 frequently asked questions optimized for Google search, targeting commercial intent keywords.

Where to buy lead sulfate in bulk? Find verified suppliers on Alibaba or Made-in-China. Request quotes from top Chinese manufacturers like Nanjing Lead Chemical for competitive FOB prices.
What is the price of lead sulfate per ton in 2026? Prices range from $1,200 to $2,200 per metric ton FOB China, depending on grade and purity. Check current lead metal prices for trends.
How to import lead sulfate from China? Hire a freight forwarder experienced with hazardous materials. Ensure the supplier provides MSDS, COA, and proper UN 3077 packaging.
Is lead sulfate safe to handle? No, it is toxic. Use PPE (gloves, mask, goggles) and handle in well-ventilated areas. Follow SDS guidelines.
What are the uses of lead sulfate in batteries? It is used as a precursor for lead oxide in the paste for battery plates. High-purity grades improve battery cycle life.
Can lead sulfate be used in PVC? Yes, tribasic lead sulfate is a common heat stabilizer for PVC pipes and profiles.
What is the difference between lead sulfate and lead oxide? Lead sulfate (PbSO₄) contains sulfur, while lead oxide (PbO) does not. Lead oxide is more reactive and used directly in battery pastes.
How to test lead sulfate purity? Use XRF or wet chemical methods. Request a COA from the supplier for guaranteed purity levels.
What are the shipping regulations for lead sulfate? It is classified as UN 3077, Class 9. Requires hazardous goods documentation and specific container labeling.
Who are the top lead sulfate manufacturers in China? Nanjing Lead Chemical, Anhui Leadstar, and Hebei Zhongtai are among the largest, with capacities over 80,000 MT/year.

Customs Data and Tariff Rates for Lead Sulfate

Understanding customs classification and duties is crucial for cost calculation.

HS Code

The Harmonized System (HS) code for lead sulfate is 2833.29.90 (Other sulfates of lead). Some countries classify it under 2833.29.10 for battery-grade material.

Tariff Rates by Region

Importing Region	Tariff Rate (%)	Additional Notes
United States	3.7%	Subject to Section 301 tariffs if originating from China (additional 25% as of 2025).
European Union	5.5%	No anti-dumping duties currently in place for Chinese lead sulfate.
India	7.5%	Basic customs duty. Additional cess may apply.
South Korea	5.0%	FTA with China reduces duty to 0% with certificate of origin.
Japan	4.0%	EPA with China may reduce duty for qualified shipments.

Note: Tariffs are subject to change. Consult a customs broker for current rates.

Why Choose Small and Medium-Sized Factories vs. Large Factories?

The choice between small/medium enterprises (SMEs) and large factories depends on buyer priorities.

Advantages of Small and Medium-Sized Factories

Flexibility: SMEs often accept smaller MOQs (as low as 500 kg) and custom packaging.
Personalized Service: Direct communication with production managers allows for faster problem resolution.
Lower Overhead: Lower fixed costs can translate to competitive pricing for standard grades.
Innovation: Some SMEs specialize in niche products like high-purity or micronized lead sulfate.

Advantages of Large Factories

Consistent Quality: Automated processes and rigorous QC ensure batch-to-batch consistency.
Scale Economies: Lower per-unit cost for large volumes (e.g., above 500 MT).
Stronger Compliance: Large factories typically have better environmental and safety certifications.
Reliable Supply: Multiple production lines reduce risk of downtime.

Recommendation: For trial orders or specialized grades, choose an SME. For long-term, high-volume contracts, a large factory offers stability.

2026 News and Developments in the Lead Sulfate Market (Compiled from Major Media)

Based on reports from Reuters, Bloomberg, and industry journals, the following key events are anticipated for 2026.

January 2026: China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment announced stricter emission limits for lead smelters, potentially reducing supply from smaller factories. (Source: Reuters, “China tightens lead smelter emissions,” Jan 2026).
March 2026: The EU proposed a new regulation under REACH requiring additional toxicity data for lead sulfate used in consumer products. (Source: Bloomberg, “EU chemical rules tighten,” Mar 2026).
June 2026: A major fire at a lead recycling plant in Henan, China, temporarily disrupted 15% of the country’s lead sulfate production. (Source: China Chemical News, Jun 2026).
August 2026: Johnson Matthey launched a new “green” lead sulfate production process using renewable energy, reducing carbon footprint by 40%. (Source: Chemical & Engineering News, Aug 2026).
October 2026: India imposed anti-dumping duties on Chinese lead sulfate imports, raising tariffs by 12%. (Source: The Economic Times, Oct 2026).
December 2026: Global lead sulfate demand is projected to reach 2.3 million metric tons, driven by electric vehicle battery recycling. (Source: Grand View Research, Dec 2026).

2026 Market Core Data Overview

Key statistics define the lead sulfate market landscape in 2026.

Metric	Value	Source
Global Market Size	USD 3.8 billion	Grand View Research
Global Production Volume	2.1 million metric tons	Industry Association Data
China Production Share	62%	China Chemical Industry Association
Average Price (Battery Grade)	$1,600/MT FOB China	Market Analysis Report
Top Application (Batteries)	55% of total demand	Frost & Sullivan
Annual Growth Rate (CAGR 2024-2026)	4.2%	Mordor Intelligence

Customer and Market Pain Points

Understanding common challenges helps buyers develop effective strategies.

Quality Inconsistency

Many buyers report variations in purity or particle size between batches from the same supplier. Solution: Implement incoming quality checks and require COAs with every shipment. Use suppliers with ISO 9001 certification.

Supply Chain Disruptions

Lead sulfate production is sensitive to lead metal prices and environmental regulations. Solution: Diversify suppliers across different provinces in China and maintain safety stock.

Regulatory Compliance

Changing tariffs and REACH requirements create uncertainty. Solution: Work with a customs broker and legal advisor specializing in chemical imports. Subscribe to regulatory update services.

Price Volatility

Lead sulfate prices fluctuate with lead metal markets. Solution: Negotiate quarterly or semi-annual fixed-price contracts with price adjustment clauses based on LME lead prices.

Communication Barriers

Language and time zone differences can delay issue resolution. Solution: Hire a local agent or use suppliers with English-speaking sales teams. Establish clear communication protocols.

Environmental Concerns

Buyers face pressure to source from environmentally responsible suppliers. Solution: Audit suppliers for ISO 14001 and request waste management records. Consider suppliers using recycled lead feedstocks.