TC for Zinc Concentrate to Rise 10% 2013 on Oversupply

SHANGHAI, Feb. 27 (SMM) – High-demand season for zinc sector will fall from March to May. SMM survey of 36 zinc enterprises shows that most of them are optimistic to zinc price outlook, with 37.5% holding a bullish attitude to 1Q, 20% bearish, and the remaining 40% expecting zinc prices to fluctuate narrowly.

Optimists believe the eased financial pressures after the Chinese New Year holiday will help base metals markets recover, and most investors expect positive policies to be introduced after the leadership transition.

Macquarie Group expects TC for zinc concentrate may be adjusted upward 10% in 2013 due to ample supply. SMM survey shows that less than 10% enterprises reflected shortage in raw materials, and over 90% reported their zinc concentrate inventories were adequate for normal production.