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

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）