LONDON, July 15 -- The global refined zinc market was in a surplus of 209,000 metric tons in the first five months of the year, the International Lead and Zinc Study Group said Thursday.

The figure was slightly down on the 260,000-ton surplus registered in the year-earlier period, ILZSG said.

Global refined zinc production during January to May was 5.201 million tons, up 19% from the period in 2009. Output rose in China, Brazil, India, Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands, Australia and the U.S.

However, global refined zinc consumption was 21% higher at 4.992 million tons. Demand increased in China, Belgium, Germany, Italy, South Korea and the U.S.

Global zinc mine production was higher, up 14% on year at 4.909 million tons, led by increased output in China, Australia, India and Mexico.