SHANGHAI, Aug 7 (SMM) — China’s refined zinc output increased in July as some smelters which had trimmed output due to shortage of zinc concentrate raised production and some smelters recovered from maintenance.  

SMM data showed that China’s refined zinc output stood at 492,800 mt in July, rising 27,400 or 5.9% on month and 0.44% on year. Output totalled 3.36 million mt in the first seven months of this year, up 3.95% from the same period last year.

SMM expects refined zinc output to expand 1,200 mt to 494,000 mt in August. Domestic refined zinc smelters kept raw material stocks that could guarantee production for about 28 days in August. Rising treatment charges (TCs) for domestic zinc concentrate and higher zinc prices buoyed smelters’ profits, which encouraged them to raise output. Meanwhile, smelters in Inner Mongolia and Henan planned to start routine maintenance.