Consumption Gradually Entering Off-Season, Market Mostly Purchasing as Needed [SMM Die-Casting Zinc Alloy Weekly Review]

This week, die-casting zinc alloy operating rates were recorded at 52.14%, edging down 0.09 percentage points WoW. Zinc prices hovered at highs during the week, and die-casting zinc alloy enterprises took advantage of price dips to restock and stockpile in phases. Combined with cargo pick-up activities across enterprises, raw material inventories increased this week. However, downstream demand performance was mediocre, and finished product inventories edged up slightly this week, though overall levels were basically flat WoW. Enterprises reported that recent demand was mediocre, and some enterprises' production pace slowed down, causing operating rates to edge down this week. End-use demand side, rising raw material prices suppressed downstream purchasing enthusiasm. End-users generally adopted a wait-and-see attitude, purchasing only small quantities as needed. Coupled with the entry into the off-season, overall market transaction volumes were insufficient. Looking ahead to next week, die-casting zinc alloy enterprise operating rates are expected to remain in the doldrums, continuing to decline and fluctuate around 52%.