Analysis of Die-Casting Zinc Alloy Imports and Exports in Q1 2026: Weak Imports vs Robust Exports

Published: Apr 20, 2026 18:17
According to the latest customs data, in the first quarter of 2026, China's imports of die-casting zinc alloys reached 8,062 metric tons, representing a year-on-year cumulative decrease of 26.66%. Meanwhile, exports stood at 1,720 metric tons, posting a year-on-year cumulative increase of 89.64%.

SMM April 20

According to the latest customs data, in the first quarter of 2026, China's imports of die-casting zinc alloys reached 8,062 metric tons, representing a year-on-year cumulative decrease of 26.66%. Meanwhile, exports stood at 1,720 metric tons, posting a year-on-year cumulative increase of 89.64%.

Regarding Q1 import trends, Asian countries emerged as the primary source of China's die-casting zinc alloy imports, with shipments mainly concentrated in five nations: South Korea, Australia, Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia. Customs data show that China's total imports of die-casting zinc alloys from these five countries in the first quarter amounted to 6,961 metric tons, accounting for 56.3% of the total import volume during the period.

Furthermore, in terms of Q1 exports, Southeast Asia became the core destination for China’s die-casting zinc alloy exports, with a combined share of as high as 74%. Vietnam emerged as the top export market in Q1 2026, accounting for 61.1% of total exports, followed by Bangladesh, Taiwan region of China, Thailand, Malaysia and others.

 

On a monthly basis for March, following the end of the Spring Festival holiday, enterprises across the zinc industry chain resumed production and logistics recovered, driving a notable month-on-month rise in die-casting zinc alloy imports and exports.However, due to sluggish domestic demand, import support was weak, resulting in a year-on-year decline. Details are as follows:

Imports: 3,250.18 tonnes, up 118.62% MoM and down 8.1% YoY.

Exports: 1,029.88 tonnes, up 294.86% MoM and surging 359.67% YoY.

In addition, the relocation of many domestic alloy plants to Southeast Asia in recent years, together with potential re-export trade, also contributed significantly to the sharp monthly and annual growth in March exports.(Below are the detailed data on China’s die-casting zinc alloy imports and exports in March 2026)

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.

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Analysis of Die-Casting Zinc Alloy Imports and Exports in Q1 2026: Weak Imports vs Robust Exports - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)