ILZSG forecasts 3.7% rise in global demand for refined zinc metal in 2015

Author: Paul Ploumis27 Apr 2015 Last updated at 09:09:29 GMT

LISBON (Scrap Monster): The latest press release issued by the International Lead and Zinc Study Group (ILZSG) highlights the current trends in global supply and demand for refined zinc metal and forecasts the outlook for 2015.

ILZSG forecasts 3.7% rise in global usage of refined lead metal. The global usage is expected to total 14.14 million tonnes in 2015. The Chinese demand is forecast to increase only by 4.8% during the year. The refined lead metal usage is forecast to increase by 2.4% in Europe and by 6.0% in the US. The group also forecasts increased demand for refined zinc from other countries such as Canada, India, Indonesia, Mexico and Turkey.

The global zinc mine production will witness a rise of 3.7% in 2015. The mine production during the year is expected to total 13.84 million tonnes. The drop in mine output by Ireland due to closure of Lisheen mine will be partially balanced by increased mine output from other zinc producing countries such as the Russian Federation, Spain and Sweden.

ILZSG forecasts 5.2% rise in world refined zinc output in 2015 to 13.99 million tonnes. Increased output is expected from the European region, especially countries like Brazil, India, Mexico, Korea and Thailand. Output growth is expected from China and the US also.

According to latest data compiled from member countries, ILZSG anticipates that the global demand for refined zinc metal will exceed supply by 151,000 tonnes in 2015.