Seasonal peak for hardware, low zinc prices grow Nov operating rates at zinc alloy producers

SHANGHAI, Dec 14 (SMM) – Operating rates across Chinese manufacturers of zinc alloy and die-castings came in at 50.02% in November, up 1.73 percentage points from October but down 8.78 percentage points from a year earlier, SMM data showed.

The hardware sector experienced its traditional high season in November. Lower zinc prices improved purchasing enthusiasm among downstream consumers and end-users and this grew operating rates across zinc alloy and die-castings producers.

The boost in orders for November is set to deplete demand in December. This, together with cash flow issues at the end of the year, is expected to substantially lower operating rates in December.

Chinese manufacturers of zinc alloy and die-castings are likely to operate at 46.97% in December, down 3.05 percentage points from a month ago.