Has Zinc Downstream Consumption Improved by Mid-March? [SMM Analysis]

Published: Mar 14, 2025 18:13 (GMT+8)

Source: SMM

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[SMM Analysis: Has Zinc Downstream Consumption Improved by Mid-March?] During this week, zinc prices rose significantly. The operating rates of zinc’s three downstream sectors showed different performance...

SMM, March 14:

During this week, zinc prices rose significantly. The operating rates of zinc’s three downstream sectors showed different performance. Firstly, Galvanising enterprises experienced some restrictions on operations this week, due to environmental protection-driven production restrictions in China, leading to a slight decline in operating rates WoW. Die-casting enterprises saw a gradual rebound in operating rates, driven by improving downstream consumption and better recent order performance. Zinc oxide enterprises reported increased operating rates, primarily supported by production resumption. In terms of orders, sectors such as ceramics have seen a recovery in orders, while other sectors have remained relatively stable. Looking ahead to the market, environmental protection-driven production restrictions in northern China may be lifted, and end-use consumption in downstream zinc sectors is also gradually recovering. Zinc downstream operating rates are expected to continue rising later this month.

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