Days of raw material inventory across zinc downstream sectors in April decreased

The average days of raw material inventory across downstream sectors in April decreased by 0.5 day on the month to 5.2 days. The average raw material inventory days at galvanising plants fell by 0.8 day to 5.1 days, and inventory days at die-casting zinc alloy plants decreased by 0.1 day to 4.3 days. Inventories of raw materials at zinc oxide plants dropped by 0.4 day to 9.0 days.

Enterprises were relatively cautious in purchasing against continued gains in zinc prices. Some galvanising enterprises resumed production in mid-March, and the number of operating days in April increased. However, the purchase of raw materials was mainly based on demand; the high zinc price affected die-casting orders, and producers purchased as required; zinc oxide enterprises maintained a relatively stable operation in April as orders from multiple sectors were mixed. However, the high zinc price in April affected restocking.