Core Viewpoint - Zinc prices are gradually increasing due to tightening supply at the mining level, leading to a rapid decline in zinc processing fees and a boost from tight zinc concentrate supply, with the Shanghai zinc main contract reaching a peak of 23,730 yuan/ton and LME zinc hitting around 3,220 USD/ton [1] Group 1: Zinc Mining and Processing Fees - Global zinc mine production from January to September reached 9.361 million tons, an increase of 60,000 tons or 7.5% year-on-year [2] - Domestic zinc concentrate production in November was 311,400 tons, down 19,400 tons from October but up 5.2% year-on-year; cumulative production from January to November was 3.369 million tons, a decrease of 10,000 tons or 1.7% year-on-year [2] - Domestic zinc processing fees have rapidly declined to 1,600 yuan/metal ton, while imported processing fees have also decreased to 50.56 USD/dry ton [2] Group 2: Domestic Refining and Production - Global refined zinc production in September was 1.195 million tons, showing a slight month-on-month decrease, with a cumulative production of 10.29 million tons from January to September [3] - In November, China's refined zinc production was 595,200 tons, down 22,000 tons month-on-month but up 16.7% year-on-year; cumulative production from January to November was 6.2816 million tons, an increase of 607,000 tons or 10.7% year-on-year [3] - Some domestic refineries are reducing production due to rapidly declining processing fees, with theoretical production losses approaching 2,000 yuan/ton [3] Group 3: Inventory Trends - Domestic zinc ingot inventory has been continuously declining, with social inventory at 125,700 tons as of December 15, down 20,000 tons from the end of November [4] - LME zinc inventory has shown a slight increase after reaching a low point in October, with total inventory at 64,500 tons [4] - The operating rate of galvanizing enterprises has slightly rebounded, driven by strong demand for certain products, while some downstream sectors are experiencing weaker demand [4] Group 4: Market Outlook - The supply side is tightening, providing stronger support for zinc prices, while short-term attention is needed on external pressures [5]
供应端边际收紧 锌价下方支撑增强
Qi Huo Ri Bao·2025-12-17 00:22