[SMM News] This week, the operating rate of die-casting zinc alloy producers stood at 53.68%, up 4.87 percentage points MoM. The increase in the operating rate of die-casting zinc alloy producers this week was mainly due to the fact that most enterprises resumed production during the week, driving up overall production. However, a small number of enterprises in the market were still in a state of halting production and depleting inventory recently. In terms of end-user order performance, influenced by the gradual weakening of end-use demand, except for a few enterprises in east China reporting relatively stable orders for small hardware in the real estate sector, most enterprises indicated that orders for traditional hardware accessories had been in the doldrums recently. Orders for luggage zippers in north China saw a slight uptick during the week, while orders for electronic products remained relatively stable recently. However, the pace of cargo pick-up by end-users also slowed down. Next week, with the resumption of production by halted enterprises, the operating rate of die-casting zinc alloy producers is expected to rise to 57.20%.