China’s Inventory Continued to Increase, SHFE Zinc Fluctuated Downward [SMM Zinc Morning Comment]

Published: Mar 16, 2026 08:51
[SMM Zinc Morning Comment] Last Friday, the most-traded SHFE zinc 2604 contract opened at 24,205 yuan/mt. In early trading, SHFE zinc briefly rose to a high of 24,255 yuan/mt, then bears added to their positions, sending SHFE zinc fluctuating downward all the way to a low of 24,070 yuan/mt near the close. It finally closed down at 24,080 yuan/mt, down 60 yuan/mt, or 0.25%, with trading volume falling to 37,382 lots and open interest increasing by 1,553 lots to 76,744 lots.

Last Friday, LME zinc opened at $3,315.5/mt. At the start of the session, bulls and bears were intertwined, and LME zinc briefly rose to a high of $3,316.5/mt. Subsequently, bulls reduced open interest, and LME zinc fluctuated downward, falling to a low of $3,270.5/mt during European trading hours. It then saw its center move slightly higher and fluctuated in consolidation along the daily average line, finally closing lower at $3,293.5/mt, down $21/mt, a decline of 0.63%. Trading volume fell to 7,065 lots, and open interest decreased by 1,630 lots to 215,000 lots. Last Friday, LME zinc recorded a small bearish candlestick. As uncertainty surrounding the Iran war continued to drive the US dollar higher, base metals were all under pressure, and LME zinc closed lower. It is expected to remain in the doldrums today.

Last Friday, the most-traded SHFE zinc 2604 contract opened at 24,205 yuan/mt. At the start of the session, SHFE zinc briefly rose to a high of 24,255 yuan/mt, after which bears increased open interest, and SHFE zinc fluctuated downward all the way, touching a low of 24,070 yuan/mt near the close, and finally closed lower at 24,080 yuan/mt, down 60 yuan/mt, a decline of 0.25%. Trading volume fell to 37,382 lots, and open interest increased by 1,553 lots to 76,744 lots. Last Friday, SHFE zinc recorded a small bearish candlestick. Macro sentiment was weak, geopolitical turmoil resurfaced, and consumption in China fell short of expectations. Meanwhile, zinc ingot inventory in China continued to build up, with relatively heavy supply pressure, dragging the center of SHFE zinc lower. It is expected that SHFE zinc will remain in the doldrums today.

Data Source Statement: Except for public information, all other data was processed and derived by SMM based on public information, market communication, and SMM's internal database models, and is for reference only and does not constitute decision-making advice.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM's internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or for more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
East China Zinc Market Sees Surplus, Low Premiums Amid Weak Off-Season Demand
Jun 18, 2026 19:05
East China Zinc Market Sees Surplus, Low Premiums Amid Weak Off-Season Demand
Read More
East China Zinc Market Sees Surplus, Low Premiums Amid Weak Off-Season Demand
East China Zinc Market Sees Surplus, Low Premiums Amid Weak Off-Season Demand
[East China Refined Zinc Market] The east China market saw an overall surplus of zinc ingots this week. Traders adopted a passive selling approach, with spot premiums hovering at lows. Meanwhile, downstream consumption of zinc in east China showed weak performance during the off-season, leading to poor spot transactions throughout the week.
Jun 18, 2026 19:05
Imported Zinc Supply Disruptions Persist, Offers Scarce Amid Smelter Hesitation
Jun 18, 2026 19:04
Imported Zinc Supply Disruptions Persist, Offers Scarce Amid Smelter Hesitation
Read More
Imported Zinc Supply Disruptions Persist, Offers Scarce Amid Smelter Hesitation
Imported Zinc Supply Disruptions Persist, Offers Scarce Amid Smelter Hesitation
[Imported Zinc Concentrate Market] Overseas ore supply disruptions have persisted recently. Offers for imported ore remained scarce this week, with some heard quoted at around -$80 to -$90/dmt, but smelters held a strong wait-and-see sentiment, keeping overall trading activity sluggish during the week.
Jun 18, 2026 19:04
China's Zinc Concentrate TCs Decline Continues Amid Ongoing Domestic Ore Shortage
Jun 18, 2026 19:04
China's Zinc Concentrate TCs Decline Continues Amid Ongoing Domestic Ore Shortage
Read More
China's Zinc Concentrate TCs Decline Continues Amid Ongoing Domestic Ore Shortage
China's Zinc Concentrate TCs Decline Continues Amid Ongoing Domestic Ore Shortage
[China's Zinc Concentrate Market] This week, China's zinc concentrate TCs extended their decline. In June, some domestic smelters conducted routine maintenance and cut production, but the overall refined zinc output did not drop significantly MoM. The domestic ore shortage has yet to ease, and close attention will be paid to the operating conditions of smelters going forward.
Jun 18, 2026 19:04
Register to Continue Reading
Gain access to the latest insights in metals and new energy
Already have an account?Sign in here