For the Quarter Ending June 2026
Zinc Sulphate Prices in APAC
- In China, the Zinc Sulphate Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2026, driven by rising costs and robust demand.
- In China, Zinc Sulphate prices settled at USD 1090/mt in June 2026.
- Production costs increased in Q2 2026, as the Producer Price Index (PPI) rose 4.1% year-over-year in June 2026.
- Demand strengthened in Q2 2026, supported by industrial production, which grew 5.3% year-over-year in June 2026.
- The Manufacturing Index expanded in June 2026, indicating increased industrial activity and supporting demand.
- Animal feed sector demand strengthened in Q2 2026, driven by ongoing swine restocking and livestock expansion.
- Zinc prices trended upwards throughout Q2 2026, directly increasing Zinc Sulphate feedstock costs. Sulfuric acid prices also fluctuated upwards.
- China's sulfuric acid export ban from April 2026 tightened global supply. Refined zinc availability also tightened.
- CPI rose 1.0%, retail sales grew 1.0% in June 2026, unemployment was 5.0%, and consumer confidence was 86.7 in April 2026, indicating cautious economic conditions.
Why did the price of Zinc Sulphate change in June 2026 in APAC?
- Rising PPI, up 4.1% in June 2026, elevated production costs.
- Robust industrial production, up 5.3% in June 2026, boosted demand.
- Sulfuric acid export ban from April 2026 and tight refined zinc constrained supply.
Zinc Sulphate Prices in North America
- In the United States, Zinc Sulphate Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2026, driven by rising production costs.
- Production costs for Zinc Sulphate increased in Q2 2026 due to strengthened elemental sulfur benchmarks and higher freight.
- Demand for Zinc Sulphate was supported by steady zinc consumption from galvanizing sectors in North America in Q2 2026.
- Industrial production in the United States increased 1.7 percent year-over-year in May 2026, bolstering downstream demand.
- Refined zinc availability tightened in North America during Q2 2026, contributing to upward pressure on feedstock.
- China's sulfuric acid export restrictions, effective May 2026, caused global supply disruptions for a key input.
- Inflationary pressures were evident; CPI increased 3.5% and PPI rose 5.5% year-over-year in June 2026.
- Stable labor market (unemployment 4.2% in June 2026) and consumer confidence (91.2) supported demand.
- Retail sales increased 6.9 percent year-over-year in May 2026, reflecting robust consumer spending.
Why did the price of Zinc Sulphate change in June 2026 in North America?
- Production costs rose due to strengthened elemental sulfur benchmarks and higher freight in Q2 2026.
- Refined zinc availability tightened in North America, impacting feedstock supply during Q2 2026.
- China's sulfuric acid export restrictions in May 2026 disrupted global supply.
Zinc Sulphate Prices in Europe
- In Germany, Zinc Sulphate Price Index rose in Q2 2026, driven by rising production costs.
- Production costs increased in Q2 2026, influenced by 2.2% higher producer prices in May 2026.
- Zinc Sulphate demand outlook strengthened in Q2 2026, supported by rebounding industrial production in May 2026.
- Germany's CPI inflation rate was +2.3% year-on-year in June 2026, affecting market conditions.
- The Manufacturing Index indicated expanding industrial sector sentiment during June 2026.
- Germany's unemployment rate was 3.8% in May 2026, with retail sales declining 0.3% in April, despite improving consumer confidence.
- European sulfuric acid supply demonstrated resilience in Q2 2026, bolstered by increased US imports.
- The Zinc Sulphate Price Index is forecast to continue an upward trend, supported by strengthening European zinc demand in 2026.
- Global refined zinc market balance showed a limited deficit in 2026, influencing Zinc Sulphate supply.
Why did the price of Zinc Sulphate change in June 2026 in Europe?
- Zinc Sulphate production costs rose from substantial energy and raw material price increases in Q2 2026.
- Industrial producer prices increased 2.2% year-on-year in May 2026, contributing to higher costs.
- Rebounding industrial production in May 2026, particularly automotive, supported Zinc Sulphate demand.
For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Zinc Sulphate Prices in North America
- In United States, the Zinc Sulphate Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q1 2026, driven by tightened zinc concentrate availability.
- The Zinc Sulphate Production Cost Trend faced upward pressure in March 2026 as producer prices increased by 4.0%.
- The Zinc Sulphate Demand Outlook remained stable in Q1 2026, supported by consistent agricultural fertilizer consumption.
- The Zinc Sulphate Price Forecast demonstrated firmness in March 2026, aligning with a 3.3% rise in consumer inflation.
- Industrial production grew by 0.7% in March 2026, sustaining baseline demand and the Zinc Sulphate Price Index.
- Retail sales grew 4.0% in March 2026, while the Manufacturing Index expanded, supporting downstream chemical consumption.
- Despite a 4.3% unemployment rate and 91.8 consumer confidence in March 2026, animal feed consumption maintained consistent levels.
- Sulfuric acid feedstock costs weakened in March 2026, easing some production cost pressures for zinc sulphate manufacturers.
Why did the price of Zinc Sulphate change in March 2026 in North America?
- Upstream zinc concentrate feedstock availability tightened significantly in Q1 2026, pressuring upstream costs for producers.
- Upstream zinc metal inventories trended downward, falling below historical benchmark levels by late February 2026.
- Elevated producer prices increased by 4.0% in March 2026, reflecting rising input and manufacturing costs.
Zinc Sulphate Prices in APAC
- In China, the Zinc Sulphate Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q1 2026, driven by surging sulfuric acid feedstock costs.
- The Zinc Sulphate Production Cost Trend increased in March 2026 as the PPI rose 0.5% year-over-year.
- Retail sales grew 1.7% year-over-year in March 2026, while the CPI increased 1.0% year-over-year, impacting baseline costs.
- Industrial production grew 5.7% year-over-year in March 2026, aligning with an expanded Manufacturing Index in March 2026.
- The unemployment rate reached 5.4% in March 2026, and consumer confidence hit 91.6 in February 2026.
- The Zinc Sulphate Demand Outlook strengthened in March 2026 as agricultural spring planting fertilizer consumption increased.
- Sulfuric acid feedstock availability tightened significantly due to severe raw material bottlenecks in Q1 2026.
- Fertilizer export volumes plummeted amid strict quotas in Q1 2026, while national commercial reserves tightened in March 2026.
- The Zinc Sulphate Price Forecast reflected upward trends in Q1 2026 due to surging energy logistics costs.
Why did the price of Zinc Sulphate change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Sulfuric acid feedstock costs surged in Q1 2026 due to severe geopolitical shipping route disruptions.
- Agricultural fertilizer demand strengthened ahead of the spring planting season in China in March 2026.
- Zinc concentrate treatment charges plummeted in March 2026 amid constrained regional mine supply dynamics locally.
Zinc Sulphate Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Zinc Sulphate Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q1 2026, driven by strengthened agricultural demand.
- The Zinc Sulphate Production Cost Trend increased as the national CPI rose 2.7% year-over-year in March 2026.
- Despite a marginal -0.2% year-over-year PPI decline in March 2026, sulfuric acid feedstock costs strengthened for producers.
- The Zinc Sulphate Demand Outlook stabilized alongside a completely flat 0.0% year-over-year industrial production in February 2026.
- Weak 0.7% year-over-year retail sales growth in February 2026 and elevated 6.3% unemployment in March 2026 constrained markets.
- The domestic Manufacturing Index expanded in March 2026, even as consumer confidence dropped deeply to -24.7 points.
- Market analysts revised the Zinc Sulphate Price Forecast upward following strengthened agricultural fertilizer demand in Q1 2026.
- The Zinc Sulphate Price Index reflected import trade flow disruptions due to freight risks in Q1 2026.
Why did the price of Zinc Sulphate change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Sulfuric acid feedstock costs and broader energy costs surged due to geopolitical tensions in March 2026.
- Agricultural demand for micronutrient fertilizers strengthened significantly across the European manufacturing sector in March 2026.
- Regional zinc sulphate supply stabilized following the restoration of a major production facility in March 2026.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
Zinc Sulphate Prices in North America
- In the United States, the Zinc Sulphate Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q4 2025, driven by increasing production costs.
- Production costs increased in Q4 2025, influenced by a 3.0% PPI rise in November 2025 and higher zinc metal costs.
- Demand strengthened in Q4 2025, supported by a 2.0% industrial production increase year-over-year in December 2025.
- Agricultural and fertilizer sectors maintained strong seasonal consumption for zinc-based micronutrients into Q4 2025.
- North American sulfuric acid market experienced significant volatility and rising costs during Q4 2025.
- Overall inflation, indicated by a 2.7% CPI year-over-year in December 2025, influenced raw material expenses.
- Consumer confidence registered 89.1 in December 2025, and retail sales rose 3.3% in November, supporting market demand.
- The 4.4% unemployment rate in December 2025 indicated a stable labor market, influencing the overall economic outlook.
Why did the price of Zinc Sulphate change in December 2025 in North America?
- Production costs rose from a 3.0% PPI increase in November 2025 and higher zinc metal feedstock costs.
- Demand strengthened from a 2.0% industrial production rise in December 2025 and robust agricultural consumption.
- Supply constraints in the North American sulfuric acid market in Q4 2025 contributed to upward price pressure.
Zinc Sulphate Prices in APAC
- In China, the Zinc Sulphate Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q4 2025, driven by strengthening industrial demand.
- Zinc Sulphate production costs increased in Q4 2025, influenced by strengthened zinc concentrate treatment charges.
- Demand for Zinc Sulphate rose in Q4 2025, supported by a 5.2% rise in industrial production in December 2025.
- The Manufacturing Index expanded in December 2025, indicating stronger activity for Zinc Sulphate end-use sectors.
- Elevated sulfur prices during the second half of 2025 contributed to higher Zinc Sulphate input costs.
- Tight global zinc market fundamentals and domestic ore maintenance in Q4 2025 constrained Zinc Sulphate supply.
- Retail sales increased by 0.9% YoY in December 2025, reflecting general consumer activity.
- Consumer Price Index YoY increased by 0.8% in December 2025, reflecting broader economic conditions.
- Despite a -1.9% decline in Producer Price Index YoY in December 2025, specific Zinc Sulphate feedstock costs increased.
Why did the price of Zinc Sulphate change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Industrial production strengthened by 5.2% in December 2025, boosting Zinc Sulphate demand.
- Zinc concentrate treatment charges strengthened in Q4 2025, increasing Zinc Sulphate production costs.
- Sulfuric acid supply tightened in Q4 2025 due to a regional producer's halt.
Zinc Sulphate Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Zinc Sulphate Price Index fell quarter-over-quarter in Q4 2025, influenced by a contracting manufacturing index in December 2025.
- Zinc Sulphate production costs faced pressure from elevated natural gas prices persisting from Q1-Q3 2025.
- The economic outlook for Germany's chemicals and metals sectors strengthened in December 2025.
- The Producer Price Index for industrial products declined by 2.5% year-on-year in December 2025.
- Germany's Manufacturing Index contracted in December 2025, indicating a slowdown in industrial activity.
- Industrial production in Germany rose by 0.8% year-on-year in October 2025.
- Retail sales increased by 1.1% year-on-year in November 2025.
- Consumer Price Index rose by 1.8% year-on-year in December 2025, impacting purchasing power.
- The unemployment rate stood at 6.2% in December 2025, reflecting labor market conditions.
- Consumer confidence remained low at -17.5 in December 2025, affecting future spending.
Why did the price of Zinc Sulphate change in December 2025 in Europe?
- Producer Price Index declined by 2.5% year-on-year in December 2025, reducing input costs.
- Germany's Manufacturing Index contracted in December 2025, signaling weaker industrial demand.
- Elevated natural gas costs from Q1-Q3 2025 pressured chemical production expenses.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
Zinc Sulphate Prices in APAC
- In India, the Zinc Sulphate Price Index fell by 2.8% quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025 broadly.
- The average Zinc Sulphate price for the quarter was approximately USD 824.19/MT per domestic reporting.
- Domestic Zinc Sulphate Spot Price eased as fertilizer procurement slowed, reducing trading activity and margins.
- Current Zinc Sulphate Price Forecast anticipates limited upside without export recovery or stronger agricultural purchasing.
- Stable feedstock and energy inputs supported a neutral Zinc Sulphate Production Cost Trend for manufacturers.
- Zinc Sulphate Demand Outlook remains mixed as seasonal agricultural buying offsets weaker industrial offtake currently.
- Inventory increases at warehouses pressured the Zinc Sulphate Price Index, constraining price upside this quarter.
- Major producers operated at steady rates; modest export inquiries provided upward support to domestic pricing.
Why did the price of Zinc Sulphate change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Weaker domestic fertilizer buying reduced demand, pressuring spot prices despite steady production and logistics continuity.
- Stable feedstock and energy costs limited production cost increases, reducing inflationary pressure on Price Index.
- Competitive international offers constrained exports, lowering external demand and reducing upward momentum for domestic prices.
Zinc Sulphate Prices in North America
- North America’s Zinc Sulphate Price Index rose modestly through Q3 2025, with the Zinc Sulphate Spot Price firming in September as upstream zinc metal and certain feedstock costs ticked up. Overall quarterly movement was moderate versus the sharp swings seen earlier in 2024.
- Why did price change in September 2025: The September rise in the Price Index was driven primarily by firmer zinc metal futures/spot (tightening LME signals and regional restocking), while logistics and seasonal restocking by fertiliser/animal-feed formulators added short-term demand. These mixed forces pushed Zinc Sulphate Spot Price higher in September.
- Production costs moved slightly higher in Q3 as zinc metal feedstock and energy costs increased; sulfuric acid availability remained adequate but upward pressure on metal feedstock dominated producers’ input-costs, tightening margins for merchant producers.
- Demand remained stable-to-positive: agricultural (micronutrient fertilisers) buying picked up ahead of late-season applications, animal-feed formulators continued steady purchases, and industrial uses (electroplating, water treatment, pharma intermediates) showed seasonal resilience. Overall demand outlook for Q4 is cautiously constructive, contingent on zinc metal price direction.
- Expect near-term consolidation with upside risk if zinc metal markets tighten further or if agriculture restocking accelerates; a shallow rise (low-single-digit % from October baseline) is the base-case for Q4 barring macro shocks.
- Spot liquidity remained available but vendors sought incremental premiums on short-dated cargoes during September’s firmness.
- North American producers/importers balanced domestic merchant sales with steady inbound shipments; import reliance for specialized grades (e.g., high-purity heptahydrate for pharma) kept some vulnerability to global zinc flows.
Zinc Sulphate Prices in Europe
- Europe’s Zinc Sulphate Price Index recorded a moderate uptick in Q3 2025 with the largest single-month movement in September, mirroring global zinc metal dynamics and localized restocking in fertiliser and industrial segments. Market participants reported slightly firmer Zinc Sulphate Spot Price levels versus mid-Q3.
- Why did price change in September 2025: The September increase was primarily caused by an uptick in LME/physical zinc values and logistical repositioning by distributors ahead of Q4. In addition, elevated demand from speciality agricultural formulators in Eastern Europe supported near-term offtake.
- European producers faced a modest increase in production cost trends driven by higher metal feedstock and energy prices; however, sulfuric acid supply was generally available and not a primary cost driver. The net effect was a compression of producer margins that limited willingness to discount.
- Demand drivers were mixed: agriculture (micronutrient fertilisers and foliar applications) showed pockets of strength, while industrial demand (electroplating, water-treatment chemicals, certain pharmaceutical uses) was steady. Overall Zinc Sulphate Demand Outlook is stable with seasonal increases expected in Q4 for agricultural applications.
- Short-term outlook points to sideways-to-slightly-higher Price Index, contingent on zinc metal market trajectories and European fertiliser restocking schedules; upside is possible if LME/physical zinc pricing extends gains.
- Spot activity was concentrated on merchant and specialty grades; availability was adequate but sellers withheld volumes at the early-September levels, supporting price resilience.
