TOKYO, Oct. 28 -- Japan's refined zinc exports for September plunged 39 percent from a year earlier to 7,019 tonnes for the ninth straight month of declines, although the drop slowed from August's 51 percent, Ministry of Finance data showed.

Taiwan was the top destination, accounting for 31 percent of total export volume, followed by China with 22 percent.

Zinc is mainly used as an anti-corrosive coating in galvanised steel production and in plating.