For the Quarter Ending June 2026
Zinc Prices in North America
- In the USA, the Zinc Powder Price Index fell by 8.74% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting muted import demand.
- The average Zinc Powder price for the quarter was approximately USD 2563/MT, reflecting subdued buying and steady import flows.
- Zinc Powder Spot Price remained pressured by abundant seaborne availability, keeping the Price Index restrained.
- Zinc Powder Price Forecast shows modest upside as freight and insurance costs gradually lift landed parities.
- Zinc Powder Production Cost Trend eased as energy costs softened, reducing immediate producer margin pressure.
- Zinc Powder Demand Outlook remains subdued with pharmaceutical hand-to-mouth buying and steady industrial consumption trends.
- Zinc Powder Price Index gains were tempered by distributor inventories and ongoing export flows into California.
- Plant outages briefly supported offers, but global smelter availability and import volumes largely kept pricing balanced.
Why did the price of Zinc Powder change in June 2026 in North America?
- Improved seaborne inflows and regular origin shipments increased availability, exerting downward pressure on spot values.
- Rising container freight and insurance costs elevated landed costs, offsetting some downward momentum for CFR parity.
- Pharmaceutical buyers maintained hand-to-mouth purchasing, minimizing restocking and keeping dealer inventories adequate, thereby containing rallies thereby.
Zinc Prices in in APAC
- In Japan, the Zinc Price Index rose by 32.35% quarter-over-quarter, driven by inventories and exports.
- The average Zinc price for the quarter was approximately USD 4795/MT amid tightened regional supply.
- Zinc Spot Price firmed as concentrate shipments tightened, prompting distributors to lift offers and premiums.
- Zinc Price Forecast shows strength from export flows, but downstream inventories and restocking temper upside.
- Zinc Production Cost Trend increased with higher energy and transport expenses, pressuring smelter margins regionally.
- Zinc Demand Outlook remains constructive as galvanizing and battery sector purchases support sustained buying interest.
- Zinc Price Index volatility rose after episodic restocking and logistical delays, raising downstream procurement uncertainty.
- Major smelter maintenance reduced regional availability temporarily, amplifying spot tightness and prompting opportunistic merchant shipments.
Why did the price of Zinc change in June 2026 in APAC?
- Tight concentrate supply and scheduled smelter turnarounds constrained regional availability, pushing spot premiums notably higher.
- Elevated energy and freight costs raised smelter expenses, lifting Zinc Production Cost Trend and offers.
- Improved export demand from neighboring markets and logistical congestion accelerated restocking, boosting Price Index readings.
Indonesia
- In Indonesia, the Zinc Powder Price Index rose by 8.3186% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting stronger import-dependent replacement-cost.
- Surabaya spot liquidity tightened, lifting Zinc Powder Spot Price premiums amid cautious restocking by exporters recently.
China
- In China, the Zinc Powder Price Index fell by 9.7184% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting sustained supply overhang.
- Zinc Spot Price strengthened as Price Index volatility reflected tight FOB availability and restocking activity.
Zinc Prices in in Europe
- In Germany, the Zinc Powder Price Index trended lower quarter-over-quarter as muted industrial demand and steady Asian inflows kept sentiment soft.
- The Zinc Powder price trend reflected abundant seaborne availability and competitive offers from Asian and Eastern-European suppliers.
- The Zinc Powder Spot Price remained pressured as fuller tanks at Hamburg and Rotterdam reduced prompt enquiry and limited upside.
- The Zinc Powder Price Forecast shows modest upside potential as freight and insurance costs gradually lift landed parities into Q3.
- The Zinc Powder Production Cost Trend eased with softer energy costs, reducing producer margin pressure and encouraging competitive offers.
- The Zinc Powder Demand Outlook remained subdued, with pharmaceutical buyers maintaining hand-to-mouth purchasing and industrial consumption steady but unspectacular.
- Inventory accumulation and slower turnover shaped Price Index movement, tempering gains despite occasional supply disruptions.
- European smelters operated normally, so CFR offer behavior was driven mainly by freight, currency, and insurance dynamics rather than supply shortages.
Why did the price of Zinc Powder change in June 2026 in Europe?
- Improved seaborne inflows and steady Asian shipments increased availability, pressuring June Zinc Powder offers.
- Rising container freight and insurance costs elevated landed costs, offsetting some downward momentum.
- Pharmaceutical buyers maintained hand-to-mouth purchasing, keeping inventories adequate and limiting June price rallies.
For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Zinc Prices in APAC
- In Japan, the Zinc Price Index rose by 7.6% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting restocking and tighter inventories.
- The average Zinc price for the quarter was approximately USD 3623.00/MT, reflecting steady weekly volatility.
- Zinc Spot Price movement reflected balanced imports and routine smelter runs, limiting sharp downward pressure.
- Zinc Price Forecast expects range-bound to firm near term as restocking competes with comfortable inventories.
- Zinc Production Cost Trend shows upward pressure from higher electricity and freight costs, squeezing margins.
- Zinc Demand Outlook remains stable with automotive galvanizing steady, while a seasonal lull limits immediate buying.
- Zinc Price Index gains reinforced by LME draws and exporter allocations, further reducing spot availability.
- Major smelter operations remained largely steady, with normal run-rates supporting supply and moderating price spikes.
Why did the price of Zinc change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Balanced domestic smelter output and steady galvanizer buying left headline prices neutral despite feedstock increases.
- Higher electricity and freight costs nudged smelter cash costs upward, partially offset by ample port inventories.
- LME inventory draws and exporter allocations tightened prompt availability, encouraging Japanese buyers to resume restocking.
Zinc Prices in North America
- In the USA, the Zinc Powder Price Index rose by 2.02% quarter-over-quarter, supported by steady procurement and balanced imports.
- The average Zinc Powder price for the quarter was approximately USD 2808.33/MT, reflecting subdued procurement activity.
- Import parity shifts pressured Zinc Powder Spot Price; freight disruptions and insurance hikes raised landed costs.
- Shipping delays and market commentary inform the Zinc Powder Price Forecast, indicating that modest near-term volatility is expected.
- Upstream metal moves and tariff removals influenced the Zinc Powder Production Cost Trend through feedstock conversion pressures.
- Domestic inventories and steady orders shaped the Zinc Powder Demand Outlook, with pharmaceutical procurement conservative.
- Export flows and distributor stocking decisions influenced the Zinc Powder Price Index and market depth.
- Operational disruptions and recycling investments created offsetting pressures, moderating volatility in the Zinc Powder Price Index.
Why did the price of Zinc Powder change in March 2026 in North America?
- Rising feedstock Zinc Ingot costs and higher Shanghai-Houston freight lifted landed costs for import-dependent US buyers.
- Elevated geopolitical tensions increased bunker fuel, insurance, and freight premiums, tightening short-term import availability and pricing.
- Steady pharmaceutical demand, combined with distributor restocking, limited downside but kept the overall market tone only mildly bullish.
Zinc Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Zinc Powder Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter, supported by higher import costs and steady downstream procurement.
- Zinc Powder Spot Price experienced upward pressure as shifting import parity, freight volatility, and insurance premiums increased landed costs.
- The Zinc Powder Price Forecast suggests modest near-term volatility, influenced by ongoing logistics uncertainties and fluctuating upstream metal trends.
- The Zinc Powder Production Cost Trend moved upward, driven by higher zinc ingot prices and conversion cost pressures across the value chain.
- The Zinc Powder Demand Outlook remained stable, with consistent demand from pharmaceutical and industrial applications, though procurement stayed cautious.
- Inventory levels across European distributors remained balanced, preventing sharp price swings despite cost-side pressures.
- Import flows were affected by shipping delays and elevated freight costs, tightening prompt availability in certain regions.
- Operational adjustments and recycling initiatives helped offset some cost pressures, moderating overall market volatility.
Why did the price of Zinc Powder change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Rising zinc ingot feedstock costs and increased freight rates elevated landed import costs.
- Geopolitical tensions led to higher shipping insurance and bunker fuel costs, tightening short-term supply availability.
- Stable demand from pharmaceutical and industrial sectors, along with distributor restocking, supported a mildly firm pricing trend.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
• In USA, the Zinc Price Index fell by 2.03% quarter-over-quarter, due to softening Chinese export offers.
• The average Zinc price for the quarter was approximately USD 3112.00/MT, reflecting import-dependent landed cost dynamics.
• Tight Pacific-Rim loadings tightened Zinc Spot Price, pushing a premium and supporting the domestic Price Index.
• Available supply and stable freight inform a cautious Zinc Price Forecast, suggesting mild weakness in Q1.
• Lower global ingot costs and increased smelter throughput influence the Zinc Production Cost Trend downward.
• Steady pharmaceutical and nutraceutical demand underpins the Zinc Demand Outlook, yet restocking interest remains restrained.
• Elevated inventories and diverted cargoes intermittently pressure the Zinc Price Index despite localized firm bidding.
• Operational shifts at North American processors and improved domestic throughput moderate upward pressure on the Zinc Spot Price.
Why did the price of Zinc change in December 2025 in North America?
• Reduced West-Coast arrivals after cargo diversions tightened immediate supply, elevating landed costs and premium bids in December.
• Stable freight but lower Chinese FOB offers reduced landed costs, pressuring domestic import parity and margins.
• Domestic inventory adequacy and slowing downstream restocking constrained buying, offsetting earlier tightness from low exchange stocks.
APAC
• In Japan, the Zinc Price Index rose by 7.94% quarter-over-quarter, amid smelter procurement and inventory draws.
• The average Zinc price for the quarter was approximately USD 3365.33/MT, reflecting steady volumes overall.
• Zinc Spot Price firmed amid drawdowns, and the Zinc Price Index signalled tighter supply-demand conditions.
• Zinc Price Forecast sees moderate easing post year-end, with seasonal procurement expected to temper upside.
• Zinc Production Cost Trend remained steady as treatment charges and freight stayed unchanged, supporting margins.
• Zinc Demand Outlook points to steady galvanizing and automotive offtake, though cautious buying limits restocking.
• Price Index movements reflected inventory draws, export flows, and concentrate delays, limiting smelter throughput availability.
• Operational restarts and yen depreciation elevated import costs; ports remained uncongested, preserving supply chain fluidity.
Why did the price of Zinc change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Concentrate arrivals were steady, but localized shortages and smelter drawdowns tightened prompt availability, lifting bids.
• Stable treatment charges and unchanged freight limited cost pressures, while yen weakness increased import costs.
• Front-loading by galvanizers, speculative futures-linked purchases, and cautious restocking sustained upward momentum into December markets.
Europe
• In Europe, the Zinc Price Index declined quarter-over-quarter, reflecting softer Chinese export offers and easing import replacement costs.
• Zinc market conditions remained import-led, with Asian-origin shipments and diversified sourcing shaping availability across major European hubs.
• Zinc Spot Price showed mixed movement, as localized tightness from delayed arrivals was offset by adequate regional inventories.
• Zinc Price Forecast signals mild near-term weakness into Q1, guided by sufficient supply coverage and restrained downstream restocking.
• Zinc Production Cost Trend eased globally, as lower ingot costs and improved smelter throughput reduced upstream cost pressure.
• Zinc Demand Outlook remained steady, supported by pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and industrial usage, though buyers remained cautious on forward purchases.
• Zinc Price Index faced intermittent pressure from elevated stocks and redirected cargoes, limiting sustained upside momentum.
• Stable port operations and improved processing throughput across Europe helped moderate volatility in spot pricing.
Why did the price of Zinc change in December 2025 in Europe?
• Softer Chinese export offers reduced import parity levels, weighing on European pricing.
• Temporary shipment delays tightened prompt availability in select locations, lending short-lived support.
• Adequate inventories and cautious year-end buying limited restocking-driven price increases.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In USA, the Zinc Price Index rose by 2.77% quarter-over-quarter, driven by firmer import offers.
• The average Zinc price for the quarter was USD 3176.33/MT, based on CFR California assessments.
• Zinc Spot Price movements reflected volatile import offers and freight variability, pressuring short-term parity and margins.
• Zinc Price Forecast indicates modest upside through early Q4 as restocking slightly tightens exporter allocations.
• Zinc Production Cost Trend shows upstream concentrate pressures elevating landed costs and import parity margins.
• Zinc Demand Outlook remains mixed with steady pharmaceutical offtake but weaker nutraceutical and OEM procurement.
• Zinc Price Index volatility correlated with inventory swings, reduced exports, and periodic freight rate fluctuations.
• Near-term Zinc Price Index likely to remain range-bound absent upstream cost shocks or demand acceleration.
Why did the price of Zinc change in September 2025 in North America?
• Reduced Chinese export quotations and elevated inventories lowered import parity, applying downward pressure on domestic prices.
• Freight rate fluctuations and smooth port operations mitigated some cost increases, cushioning abrupt price movements.
• Muted pharmaceutical and nutraceutical demand alongside OEM destocking reduced immediate procurement urgency, tempering spot market strength.
APAC
• In Japan, the Zinc Price Index rose by 0.754% quarter-over-quarter, due to higher raw material and downstream demand.
• The average Zinc price for the quarter was approximately USD 3117.67/MT, based on Ex-Tokyo quotations.
• Zinc Spot Price strengthened in September amid LME drawdowns and tightening inventories, supporting premium Japan quotations.
• Zinc Production Cost Trend showed upward pressure as global raw material and energy inflation increased manufacturing expenses.
• Zinc Demand Outlook remains mixed with steady galvanizing demand offset by export inquiries, moderating Price Index momentum.
• Zinc Price Forecast indicates short-term range-bound behaviour, with modest upside risks if restocking accelerates in autumn.
• Zinc Price Index volatility reflected balanced domestic smelter output and import costs driven by USD/JPY movements.
• Supply balances were influenced by adequate concentrate arrivals and export demand, keeping spot availability broadly comfortable.
Why did the price of Zinc change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Rising raw material and energy costs increased domestic production expenses, exerting upward pressure on pellet quotations.
• LME inventory drawdowns and tighter warehouse stocks reduced market availability, supporting higher Japanese spot premiums.
• Weaker USD/JPY raised yen-denominated landed costs for importers, prompting upward revision of Ex-Tokyo supplier quotations.
Europe
• In Europe, the Zinc Price Index showed minor fluctuations quarter-over-quarter, influenced by balanced regional supply and steady industrial activity.
• In the Netherlands, Zinc Spot Price movements reflected consistent import flows and moderate upstream concentrate pressures, impacting short-term margins and parity.
• Zinc Price Forecast suggests modest upside through early Q4 as downstream restocking gradually tightens allocations.
• Zinc Production Cost Trend shows upstream concentrate and energy cost pressures maintaining elevated landed costs and import parity margins.
• Zinc Demand Outlook remains mixed with steady automotive and construction consumption but softer activity in some manufacturing segments.
• Zinc Price Index volatility correlated with inventory adjustments, intermittent export variations, and localized freight rate fluctuations.
• Near-term Zinc Price Index likely to remain range-bound absent significant supply disruptions or demand acceleration.
Why did the price of Zinc change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Balanced supply levels and moderate demand growth kept prices relatively stable with only minor adjustments.
• Freight rate stability and efficient port operations mitigated potential cost spikes, cushioning abrupt market movements.
• Steady sectoral demand alongside minor regional slowdowns tempered immediate procurement urgency, limiting spot market volatility.
