China Refined Zinc Output Rises 7.7% in March 2015

SHANGHAI, Apr. 28 (SMM) – China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association said refined zinc output in China hit 491,000 mt in March, up 11.32% YoY and 7.7% MoM. Output in the first three months was up 14.61% YoY to 1.46 million mt.

The average SMM #0 zinc price fell by RMB 450.94/mt to RMB 15,817.73/mt in March, down for four months in a row. But TCs for Chinese zinc concentrate held firm at RMB 5,300-5,500/mt, encouraging zinc production. SMM survey indicates that the operating rate at zinc smelters remained above 70% in March, with only a few smelters conducting regular maintenance.