LME Trends Boost SHFE, SHFE Zinc Center Shifts Upward [SMM Zinc Morning Comment]

Published: May 21, 2026 08:42
[SMM Zinc Morning Comment: LME Trends Boost SHFE, SHFE Zinc Center Shifts Upward] Overnight, the most-traded SHFE zinc 2607 contract opened at 24,750 yuan/mt. After the opening, SHFE zinc fluctuated higher, touching a low of 24,750 yuan/mt early in the session and a high of 24,930 yuan/mt late in the session, ultimately closing up at 24,910 yuan/mt, up 120 yuan/mt.

SMM May 21:

During the overnight session, LME zinc opened at $3,513/mt. After the open, LME zinc fluctuated upward throughout the session, touching a low of $3,499.5/mt early in the session and a high of $3,569.5/mt late in the session, ultimately closing higher at $3,567.5/mt, up $56.5/mt or 1.61%. Trading volume increased to 9,871 lots, and open interest decreased by 2,775 lots to 236,000 lots. Overnight, LME zinc posted a bullish candlestick, with the upper Bollinger Bands rail forming resistance. Trump stated that negotiations with Iran had entered the final stage, and market expectations for the end of a US-Iran war heated up. The US dollar index softened, and LME zinc rebounded from lows, with the center shifting slightly higher.

During the overnight session, the most-traded SHFE zinc 2607 contract opened at 24,750 yuan/mt. After the open, SHFE zinc fluctuated higher, touching a low of 24,750 yuan/mt early in the session and a high of 24,930 yuan/mt late in the session, ultimately closing higher at 24,910 yuan/mt, up 120 yuan/mt or 0.48%. Trading volume decreased to 36,655 lots, and open interest increased by 2,294 lots. Overnight, SHFE zinc posted a bullish candlestick, with the 5-day moving average providing support below. On the fundamentals side, the persistent tightness in zinc concentrates continued to support zinc prices. Combined with the boost from LME trends, the center of SHFE zinc shifted higher during the night session, maintaining an overall fluctuating trend at highs.

Data source disclaimer: Data other than public information is derived from public information, market communication, and SMM's internal database models, processed by SMM. It is for reference only and does not constitute decision-making advice.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
U.S.-Iran Negotiations Enter Final Stage, LME Zinc Rebounds from Lows [SMM Zinc Morning Meeting Minutes]
1 hour ago
U.S.-Iran Negotiations Enter Final Stage, LME Zinc Rebounds from Lows [SMM Zinc Morning Meeting Minutes]
Read More
U.S.-Iran Negotiations Enter Final Stage, LME Zinc Rebounds from Lows [SMM Zinc Morning Meeting Minutes]
U.S.-Iran Negotiations Enter Final Stage, LME Zinc Rebounds from Lows [SMM Zinc Morning Meeting Minutes]
[SMM Zinc Morning Meeting Minutes: US-Iran Negotiations Enter Final Stage, LME Zinc Rebounds from Lows]: Overnight, LME zinc opened at $3,513/mt. After the opening, LME zinc fluctuated upward throughout the session, touching a low of $3,499.5/mt early in the session and a high of $3,569.5/mt late in the session, ultimately closing up at $3,567.5/mt, up $56.5/mt or 1.61%, with trading volume increasing to 9,871 lots...
1 hour ago
Strong Growth in Die-cast Zinc Alloy Exports Continues; Asia Absorbs Over 95%
15 hours ago
Strong Growth in Die-cast Zinc Alloy Exports Continues; Asia Absorbs Over 95%
Read More
Strong Growth in Die-cast Zinc Alloy Exports Continues; Asia Absorbs Over 95%
Strong Growth in Die-cast Zinc Alloy Exports Continues; Asia Absorbs Over 95%
According to the latest customs data, China imported 2,574 mt of die-cast zinc alloy in April 2026, down 20.79% month-on-month. From January to April 2026, China's cumulative imports of die-cast zinc alloy reached 10,636 mt, down 27.96% year-on-year.
15 hours ago
SHFE Zinc Center Shifts Higher as Tug-of-War Between Longs and Shorts Continues [SMM Zinc Futures Brief]
16 hours ago
SHFE Zinc Center Shifts Higher as Tug-of-War Between Longs and Shorts Continues [SMM Zinc Futures Brief]
Read More
SHFE Zinc Center Shifts Higher as Tug-of-War Between Longs and Shorts Continues [SMM Zinc Futures Brief]
SHFE Zinc Center Shifts Higher as Tug-of-War Between Longs and Shorts Continues [SMM Zinc Futures Brief]
[SHFE Zinc Center Rises, Tug-of-War between Longs and Shorts Continues] The most-traded SHFE zinc 2606 contract opened at 24,500 yuan/mt. After the opening, bulls reduced their open interest, and the SHFE zinc center moved lower, dipping to 24,400 yuan/mt. Subsequently, bears reduced their open interest, and SHFE zinc rose all the way up, touching a high of 24,745 yuan/mt near the close. It finally settled up at 24,730 yuan/mt, gaining 225 yuan/mt or 0.92%. Trading volume increased to 14,340 lots, while open interest decreased by 494 lots to 59,621 lots.....
16 hours ago
Register to Continue Reading
Gain access to the latest insights in metals and new energy
Already have an account?sign in here