This paper presents an overview of the lead supply-demand balance in the Western World as well as price forecasts. It is expected that growth in both primary and secondary lead production will initially outstrip the corresponding growth in consumption, and will result in some surplus metal over the next 4 years. This surplus will cause a decline in the lead price. After this period, as the market moves into deficit, it is anticipated that prices will again move upward. In subsequent discussion, the importance of the lead/acid battery to the lead industry is demonstrated as are the significant future opportunities provided by this end-use sector for lead. Finally, a number of issues critical to the continued success of both the battery and the lead industries are canvassed: first, the decline in primary lead metal as a proportion of total Western World lead production and its potential impact on changing battery technologies; second, the need to develop lead specifications which meet the needs of contemporary and future battery technologies to ensure that battery quality and performance objectives are met in full.