2009 August Zn Imports and Exports Data Analysis

SHANGHAI, Sept. 25 (SMM) --
Zinc Concentrate:
According to China Customs, China's imports of zinc concentrate were 374kt during August, down 13.5% MoM, with YTD imports of 2.397 million mt, up 69.5% YoY. Domestic demand for imported zinc concentrate will remain high for the foreseeable future as a result of increasing zinc ingot capacity and output in China during 4Q.
Refined Zinc:
According to China Customs, China's imports of refined zinc were 31kt during August, down 45.6% compared to July's 56kt level.  YTD imports were 566kt, up 347.5% YoY.  MoM declines in zinc imports were in line with CBI's previous forecast, and also expected given low spot zinc supply in both domestic and overseas markets.  China's imports of refined zinc will remain low during September. 
China's exports of refined zinc fell to zero during August, a new low for 2009 from the previous record low of 10mt of zinc exports in May.  The drop in exports is an indication that global consumption has still not recovered significantly.  China's exports of zinc ingot are expected to remain low for the remainder of 2009.
Zinc Oxide:
China's imports of zinc oxide were 1,153mt during August, down 40% MoM, with YTD imports of 10.6kt, down nearly 20% YoY. China's exports of zinc oxide were 1,440mt during August, down 18% MoM, with YTD exports of 8,373mt, down 69.3% YoY. The marked declines in imports of zinc oxide were due mainly to previous brisk import and export trading activity during July, and from market uncertainty concerning the effect from the punitive tariffs on Chinese tires.

Copyright © SMM. All Rights Reserved

None of this material may be used for any commercial or public use in any forms or means, without the prior written consent of SMM. For reproduction issue, please contact us by email: service.en@smm.cn