U.S. LEAD INVENTORIES RISE IN FEBRUARY - ABMS Lead stocks held by U.S. refiners rose to 37,295 short tons at the end of February from 34,224 short tons (revised higher) at the end of January, the American Bureau of Metal Statistics reported. Production of lead decreased to 33,619 short tons in February from 38,759 short tons in January. Shipments from plants increased to 30,467 short tons in February from 27,041 short tons (revised lower) in January, the ABMS said.