Depressed Zinc Concentrate Offers Squeeze Smelter Margins, Dampen Trading Activity

Published: Jul 10, 2026 18:17
[Imported Zinc Concentrate Market] This week, traders maintained import zinc concentrate offers at depressed levels, with most quotations remaining in negative triple-digit territory. However, the continued decline in both domestic and international TCs further squeezed smelter margins, leaving Chinese smelters reluctant to accept imported concentrate priced at negative triple-digit TCs. Consequently, trading activity in the imported zinc concentrate market remained subdued throughout the week.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM's internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or for more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
Zijin Mining H1 2026: Zinc Output Down, Lead Up, Refined Zinc Declines
1 hour ago
Zijin Mining H1 2026: Zinc Output Down, Lead Up, Refined Zinc Declines
Read More
Zijin Mining H1 2026: Zinc Output Down, Lead Up, Refined Zinc Declines
Zijin Mining H1 2026: Zinc Output Down, Lead Up, Refined Zinc Declines
Zijin Mining recently released its H1 2026 results. During the reporting period, the company’s mine-produced zinc in zinc concentrates totaled 176,922 tonnes, down 1.5% YoY, while lead in lead concentrates reached 21,636 tonnes, up 5.5% YoY. Refined zinc production stood at 183,761 tonnes, down 10.0% YoY. Zinc and lead business sales accounted for 3.0% of total operating revenue after eliminations, while gross profit from the business represented 1.7% of the Group’s total gross profit.
1 hour ago
Santacruz Silver Reports 7% QoQ Increase in Zinc Production for Q2 2026
1 hour ago
Santacruz Silver Reports 7% QoQ Increase in Zinc Production for Q2 2026
Read More
Santacruz Silver Reports 7% QoQ Increase in Zinc Production for Q2 2026
Santacruz Silver Reports 7% QoQ Increase in Zinc Production for Q2 2026
On August 17, Santacruz Silver Mining disclosed its second-quarter 2026 results. Zinc production reached 23,200 tonnes in Q2, up 7% QoQ, mainly driven by higher throughput, which more than offset lower zinc ore grades at the Bolivar and Porco mines. Zinc production totaled 44,900 tonnes in H1 2026, up 7% YoY.
1 hour ago
Tianjin Zinc: Zinc Prices Surge, Downstream Cargo Pick-up for Previously Priced Zinc Ingot [SMM Midday Review]
1 hour ago
Tianjin Zinc: Zinc Prices Surge, Downstream Cargo Pick-up for Previously Priced Zinc Ingot [SMM Midday Review]
Read More
Tianjin Zinc: Zinc Prices Surge, Downstream Cargo Pick-up for Previously Priced Zinc Ingot [SMM Midday Review]
Tianjin Zinc: Zinc Prices Surge, Downstream Cargo Pick-up for Previously Priced Zinc Ingot [SMM Midday Review]
[Tianjin Zinc: Zinc Price Rallying, Downstream Pick Up Goods Against Earlier Fixed-Price Zinc Ingot] Tianjin market saw #0 zinc ingot traded mainly in the range of 25,700~25,880 yuan/mt, Zijin traded at 25,850~25,980 yuan/mt, #1 zinc ingot traded near 25,700~25,820 yuan/mt, Zijin reported a premium of 30~50 yuan/mt against the SGX 2609 contract, Hu zinc reported 27,130 yuan/mt, #0 zinc ingot reported a discount of 50~120 yuan/mt against the SGX 2609 contract, and Tianjin market reported a discount of 50 yuan/mt against Shanghai market.
1 hour ago
[Imported Zinc Concentrate Market] This week, traders maintained impor - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)