Average operating rate of die-casting zinc alloy manufacturers

The average operating rate of die-casting zinc alloy manufacturers was 45.85% last week, down 4.65 percentage points. Raw material inventory increased as some manufacturers purchased in the first half of the week when zinc prices dipped and a large quantity of imported zinc arrived, driving traders in east China to lower spot premiums. Inventories at die-casting zinc alloy plants dropped quickly last week due to suitable prices. However, orders decreased after zinc prices rose in the second half of the week. Some plants in east China temporarily suspended and reduced production, which dragged down operating operations last week. Orders from hardware and sanitary ware sectors were still underperforming, but Christmas-related export orders improved. Most manufacturers were reducing finished product inventories during the week. Operating rates will rise this week on the back of stockpiling.