长江有色：高锌价抑制消费但供紧托底 23日锌价或涨跌有限

Core Viewpoint - The geopolitical situation and interest rate cut expectations are in a tug-of-war, leading to a stable overnight performance in zinc prices, with tight supply and declining processing fees impacting the market dynamics [1][2]. Group 1: Market Performance - Overnight London zinc showed weak fluctuations, closing at $3078 per ton, with a trading volume of 7997 lots, a decrease of 497 lots, and an open interest increase of 449 lots to 227,461 lots [1]. - The Shanghai zinc market also experienced weak fluctuations, with the main contract closing at 23,025 yuan per ton, down 50 yuan, a decline of 0.22% [1]. Group 2: Supply and Demand Dynamics - Domestic and international ore supply is tightening, with processing fees reduced by 1250 yuan per metal ton since early September, indicating a reality of supply tightness [2]. - The actual output of smelters in November did not meet expectations due to raw material supply constraints and low processing fees affecting profits, with further production declines expected in December [2]. - Domestic social inventory continues to decrease, providing support for zinc prices, but demand remains lackluster, particularly in the galvanizing sector where operating rates are average [2]. Group 3: Industry Challenges - Environmental policies in northern regions are restricting the operation of heavy trucks below the National VI standard, leading to extended raw material and finished product turnover cycles, which is expected to keep operating levels stable [2]. - In the die-casting zinc alloy sector, poor end-user demand has resulted in inventory buildup, with high zinc prices suppressing consumption and downstream buyers only maintaining essential purchases [2].