Improved orders grow operating rates at zinc die-casting producers in Apr

SHANGHAI, May 9 (SMM) – Operating rates across Chinese manufacturers of zinc alloy die-castings continued to climb in April, as improved orders amid a peak season and eased cash flow pressure drove plants to step up production.

The rate stood at 54.54% in April, up 2.65 percentage points from March but down 1.3 percentage points from April 2018, showed SMM data on Thursday May 10.

With the peak season nearing the end, the average operating rate across zinc alloy die-castings producers is likely to see a smaller increase of 0.9 percentage point in May and come in at 55.44%. Most producers told SMM that they do not expect a sharp increase in orders.

The rate in May is likely to stand 4.75 percentage points higher than May 2018, with a smaller impact from environmental probes this year.