Tianjin Zinc: Approaching Delivery, Premium Declines [SMM Midday Review]

SMM, May 13: In the Tianjin market, mainstream transactions for #0 zinc ingot were concluded at RMB 22,390-22,830/mt, with Zijin transactions at RMB 22,640-22,870/mt. Transactions for #1 zinc ingot were around RMB 20,020-22,250/mt, while Huludao was quoted at RMB 26,010/mt. Regular #0 zinc ingot was quoted at a premium of RMB 250-470/mt against the 2506 contract, with Zijin quoted at a premium of RMB 500-510/mt against the 2506 contract. Tianjin was quoted at a discount of around RMB 30/mt against Shanghai. By the close of the morning session, Chihong was quoted at a premium of around RMB 250-400/mt against the 06 contract, Hongye at a premium of RMB 300-430/mt against the 06 contract, and Bailing at a premium of RMB 430/mt delivered against the 06 contract. For high-end brands, Zijin was quoted at a premium of around RMB 500-510/mt against the 06 contract. The futures market pulled back slightly, with the price spread between futures contracts narrowing. Coupled with some arrivals in Tianjin, traders lowered their premiums for shipments, while downstream buying sentiment remained low as they awaited delivery. Overall, market transactions were average.