Demand in Some Sectors Slowed Down, Operating Rate of Zinc Oxide Declined [SMM Zinc Oxide Weekly Review]

SMM April 18 News: This week, the operating rate of zinc oxide recorded 60.79%, down 0.83% MoM. Raw material side, zinc prices maintained a fluctuating trend this week, with zinc oxide enterprises buying the dip in small quantities. Some enterprises had previously stockpiled at low prices, and are now mainly consuming inventories, resulting in a MoM decrease in raw material inventories. Finished product inventories side, zinc oxide enterprises currently maintain a basic balance between production and sales, with relatively small changes in finished product inventories. Orders side, recently affected by tariffs, orders for all-steel tires in the rubber-grade zinc oxide sector were in the doldrums, with poor downstream demand. The overall demand for ceramic-grade zinc oxide remains relatively stable. The consumption of feed-grade zinc oxide is relatively average due to the current pork market demand, and enterprises are cautious about the future. In terms of export orders, enterprises believe there are many uncertainties ahead, and according to feedback from zinc oxide enterprises, end-users with export orders have been slow in payments, and the impact of tariffs may gradually become apparent. Affected by current unstable factors, the operating rate of zinc oxide enterprises is expected to record around 60.40% next week. Click to view the SMM metal industry chain database.