Despite Closed Import Window, Long-Term Contracts Signed With Kazakhstan Suppliers Boost China Refined Zinc Imports

SHANGHAI, Apr 18 (SMM) – China imported 1,800 mt of refined zinc in January. The imports were 4,700 mt in February, up 158% MoM, but down 13.76% YoY. From January to February, the imports totalled 6,500 mt, a drop of 67.97% YoY. From January to February, refined zinc exports were 2,100 mt, with a net import of 4,500 mt.

The top three supplying countries in February were Kazakhstan (2,200 mt), Australia (1,000 mt) and Japan (900 mt). While the import window remained closed in January-February, the recovery of imports from Kazakhstan under long-term contracts boosted the total imports in February on a month-on-month basis.

It is expected that roughly 2,000 mt of refined zinc from Kazakhstan will flow into China under long-term contracts every month.