Operating Rates of Galvanising Producers Trended Higher [SMM Galvanizing Weekly Review]

SMM April 17: The operating rates of galvanising producers stood at 62.13% this week, up 4.24 percentage points WoW. Raw material side, zinc prices fluctuated at highs throughout the week, with downstream buyers picking up fewer goods and mainly consuming existing stock, leading to a decline in zinc ingot inventories at galvanising enterprises. By segment, ferrous metals prices remained relatively firm. Galvanized pipe traders restocked on a regular basis, and galvanising enterprises had solid orders with smooth shipments. Galvanized pipe factories had mostly resumed full operation, with operating rates increasing and finished product inventories rising slightly. Structural components side, steel tower orders remained robust, with subsequent tenders opening up successively. Steel tower orders were expected to be sustained. Export orders for transportation, steel towers, and profiles continued to perform well. Operating rates of galvanised structural component enterprises remained solid. Overall, the operating rate increased notably. Currently, enterprise production schedules were relatively stable, and the operating rate is expected to edge up to around 62.3% next week.