SHANGHAI, Mar 21 (SMM) - According to the latest customs data, 25,100 tons of refined zinc were imported in January 2024, and 25,300 tons were imported in February, an increase of 100 tons or 0.74% month-on-month, a year-on-year increase of 433.95%, and the cumulative imports from January to February were 5.03 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 666.8%. Refined zinc exports were 1,000 tons in January and 1,600 tons in February, with a total export of 2,600 tons, which means net imports of refined zinc in February were 23,700 tons.
The top three supplier countries in January were South Korea (8,100 tons), Iran (6,000 tons), and Spain (3,400 tons); the top three supplier countries in February were Australia (12,000 tons), and Kazakhstan (8,400 tons) ), Iran (2,800 tons).
The import volume of refined zinc from January to February was basically in line with expectations. After the import window opened at the end of 2023, goods began to flow in, giving opportunities for Australian and Iranian zinc ingots to flow in. At the same time, China maintained regular imports of Kazakhstan zinc, and the overall import volume increased slightly.
It is expected that in March and at the end of February, zinc ingots purchased at end-February will continue to flow in. However, it is difficult to open the import window in March. The import volume is expected to increase to around 30,000 tons.
