ILZSG:Global Zinc Market In 180,000-Ton Surplus Jan-Apr

LONDON, June 17 -- The global refined zinc market was in a surplus of 180,000 metric tons in the first four months of the year, the International Lead and Zinc Study Group said Wednesday.

The figure was smaller than the 259,000-ton surplus registered in the same period a year ago, ILZSG said.

Global refined zinc production during January-April was 4.121 million tons, up 20% from the period in 2009. Output rose in Belgium, Canada, China, India, the Netherlands and the U.S.

Global refined zinc consumption was 23.3% higher at 3.941 million tons. Demand increased in China, Europe, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia and the U.S.

Global zinc mine production was 14.6% higher on the year at 3.851 million tons, led by increased output in Australia, India and Mexico.

China's net imports of refined zinc were 68,000 tons during the period, down sharply from 313,000 tons in the same period in 2009.