Japan December Zinc Inventories Up 4% On Month -METI

SINGAPORE, Jan. 30 -- Japan's inventories of refined zinc rose 4% in December compared with November to 19,714 metric tons, according to preliminary data released Monday by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Inventories were 12% lower compared with December 2009.

Production of refined zinc fell 3.5% on month but was steady on year at 49,812 tons, while shipments fell 1% on month to 49,041 tons and were up 1% on year.