Fewer imports extend declines in social stocks of refined zinc

Published: Dec 21, 2018 12:09

Save

Social stocks across Shanghai, Guangdong and Tianjin came in at 97,400 mt as of Dec 21, down 1,600 mt from Dec 17

SHANGHAI, Dec 21 (SMM) – Limited arrivals of imported cargoes extended declines in zinc social stocks this week. Purchases for long-term contracts at the year-end also tightened supplies in the market and buoyed spot premiums.

Social inventories of refined zinc across Shanghai, Guangdong and Tianjin came in at 97,400 mt as of Friday December 21, down some 1,600 mt from Monday December 17 and down 4,600 mt from last Friday, SMM data showed.

Compared to Monday December 17, an influx of domestic cargoes from Tianjin to Shanghai grew zinc stocks across Shanghai warehouses. Inventories in Tianjin and Guangdong continued to shrink.

In the short run, we do not expect overall social stocks to climb significantly across the three regions due to limited imports and restricted production at smelters.

Inventory data Zinc

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM's internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or for more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

Aug 14, 2026 18:12

SHFE Zinc Prices Consolidate at Highs, Weak Downstream Demand Dampens Spot Trading

[Shanghai Refined Zinc Market] This week, SHFE zinc futures prices consolidated at highs, with the overall center up notably WoW. In the off-season, overall orders at downstream enterprises remained poor, and amid persistent fear of high prices, overall zinc ingot purchasing interest during the week was weak. Overall spot trading during the week was sluggish; traders had difficulty selling, and spot premiums fell during the week.

Aug 14, 2026 18:12

Ningbo Zinc Market Sees Stable Supply and Steady Premiums Amid Moderate Demand

[Ningbo Refined Zinc Market] This week, the Ningbo market had ample overall spot supply, traders' selling quotations were relatively stable, and overall spot premiums changed little. Demand side, orders at downstream alloy plants had yet to improve significantly, spot zinc ingot purchases were mainly based on rigid demand, and market transactions were moderate. Ningbo spot premiums are expected to continue consolidating next week.

Aug 14, 2026 18:12

China's Port Zinc Concentrate Inventories Drop by 36,000 mt WoW to 244,000 mt

[Port Zinc Concentrate Inventories] This week, SMM zinc concentrate inventories at main ports in China totaled 244,000 mt in physical content, down 36,000 mt WoW, with Fangchenggang Port inventories accounting for the main decline.

Aug 14, 2026 18:12