1. Report Industry Investment Rating No information provided in the report. 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - Last week, the main contract price of Shanghai zinc futures showed a weak rebound. The inflation data was lower than expected, strengthening the expectation of the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates. The Sino - US economic and trade consultations reached a basic consensus, and the market risk appetite continued to recover. Domestically, the probability of achieving the annual GDP growth target of 5% was high, and mild policy support at the end of the year was still expected [3][4]. - Fundamentally, the LME zinc inventory continued to decline, and the LME0 - 3 spot premium soared to $300, raising concerns about a soft squeeze in the overseas market and strongly supporting zinc prices. The decline in the Shanghai - London ratio strengthened the expectation of zinc ingot exports, and the supply growth of refined zinc was limited due to the narrowing profit of smelters. On the demand side, the start - up rate of primary enterprises decreased slightly, and downstream demand was mainly for rigid procurement. Recently, there were small - scale zinc ingot exports, and the weekly inventory decreased slightly [4]. - Overall, the improvement in Sino - US economic and trade consultations, the lower - than - expected US inflation supporting the Fed's interest - rate cut, and the expected mild policy support in China at the end of the year led to the recovery of market risk appetite. The fundamental contradiction centered around the low overseas inventory and strong market structure, as well as domestic zinc ingot exports. It was expected that the zinc price would continue its weak rebound in the short term, but the upside space was cautiously optimistic. The upside space was expected to open up after the large - scale export of zinc ingots [4][11]. 3. Summary by Relevant Catalogs 3.1 Transaction Data | Contract | Price on Oct 17 | Price on Oct 24 | Change | Unit | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | SHFE zinc | 21,815 | 22,355 | +540 | yuan/ton | | LME zinc | 2939.5 | 3019.5 | +80 | US dollars/ton | | Shanghai - London ratio | 7.42 | 7.40 | - 0.02 | - | | SHFE inventory | 109,627 tons | 109,168 tons | - 459 tons | tons | | LME inventory | 38,025 tons | 37,600 tons | - 425 tons | tons | | Social inventory | 16.53 million tons | 16.21 million tons | - 0.32 million tons | million tons | | Spot premium | - 40 yuan/ton | - 60 yuan/ton | - 20 yuan/ton | yuan/ton | [5] 3.2 Market Review - The main contract price of Shanghai zinc futures, ZN2512, rebounded weakly from a low level, with a weekly increase of 3.48%, and fluctuated narrowly at night on Friday. LME zinc stabilized and trended stronger, breaking through the $3000/ton mark again, with a weekly increase of 2.62% [6]. - In the spot market, after the slight rebound of the futures price, downstream procurement became more cautious, mainly for rigid demand, and most transactions were between traders. The spot premium remained weak [7]. - In terms of inventory, as of October 24, the LME zinc inventory decreased by 425 tons to 37,600 tons, and the SHFE inventory decreased by 459 tons to 109,168 tons. As of October 23, the social inventory decreased by 0.32 million tons to 16.21 million tons. The opening of the export window led to some exports [8]. - Macroscopically, the US CPI in September was 3.0% year - on - year, lower than the expected 3.1% and higher than the previous value of 2.9%. The core CPI was 3.0% year - on - year, lower than the expected and previous value of 3.1%. From October 24 to 25, 2025, the fifth round of Sino - US economic and trade consultations was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. China's GDP in the third quarter of 2025 was 4.8% year - on - year, and some economic indicators in September were weak [8][9]. 3.3 Industry News - SMM data showed that the average domestic zinc concentrate processing fee in November was 3000 yuan/metal ton, a decrease of 650 yuan/ton month - on - month; the average imported ore processing fee was $105.54/dry ton, an increase of $18.03/dry ton month - on - month [12]. - ILZSG reported that from January to August 2025, the global zinc market had a surplus of 154,000 tons, compared with a surplus of 138,000 tons in the same period last year. The global refined zinc production from January to August was 9.152 million tons, and the consumption was 8.998 million tons [12][13]. - MMG's zinc ore production in the third quarter of 2025 was 58,700 tons, a year - on - year increase of 26%. Boliden's overall output of lead - zinc concentrates in the third quarter of 2025 increased quarter - on - quarter, but the Tara mine's production ramp - up was slower than expected, and the Odda smelter's refined zinc output decreased [13]. - Vedanta's zinc concentrate metal output in the third quarter of 2025 was 318,000 tons, a year - on - year increase of 6%. Customs data showed that in September, the imported zinc concentrate was 505,400 tons, a month - on - month increase of 8.15% and a year - on - year increase of 24.94%. The imported refined zinc was 22,700 tons, a month - on - month decrease of 11.6% and a year - on - year decrease of 57%. The exported refined zinc was 2500 tons, and the exported galvanized sheet was 1.2262 million tons, a month - on - month increase of 11.73% and a year - on - year increase of 2.27% [14]. 3.4 Relevant Charts The report provides multiple charts, including the price trends of Shanghai and LME zinc, the ratio of domestic and foreign markets, spot premiums, inventory changes, zinc ore processing fees, zinc ore import profits and losses, domestic refined zinc production, refined zinc net imports, and the start - up rate of downstream primary enterprises [15][18][22][23][24][26].

Core Viewpoint - The zinc market is experiencing fluctuations with a slight increase in futures prices, driven by export opportunities and inventory dynamics [1][2][3] Market Performance - As of October 24, 2025, the main contract for Shanghai zinc futures closed at 22,355 CNY/ton, with a weekly increase of 2.03% [1] - The weekly trading range was between 21,885 CNY/ton and 22,375 CNY/ton, with a total increase in open interest of 42,945 contracts [1] Supply and Demand Dynamics - The International Lead and Zinc Study Group (ILZSG) reported an increase in global zinc supply surplus to 47,900 tons in August 2025, up from 38,700 tons in July [2] - Domestic smelting supply remains stable while overseas production is decreasing, leading to a widening price gap [3] Inventory and Export Insights - As of October 23, 2025, the London Metal Exchange (LME) reported zinc registered warrants of 24,850 tons and a reduction in inventory by 600 tons to 34,700 tons [2] - Export profits for zinc ingots to Southeast Asia exceeded 1,900 CNY/ton, indicating strong demand in that region [2] Institutional Perspectives - Guotou Anxin Futures noted that low LME zinc inventory and tight overseas spot markets support high volatility in zinc prices, with a short-term resistance level at 23,000 CNY/ton [3] - Nanhua Futures highlighted a weak domestic market relative to overseas, with a focus on the potential for export opportunities and macroeconomic drivers [3]

Report Summary 1. Report Industry Investment Rating - Unilateral: Cautiously bullish. - Arbitrage: Neutral. [5] 2. Core View of the Report - After the National Day holiday, the zinc ingot export window has been continuously open. Although the LME inventory has not significantly rebounded and is still below 40,000 tons, it takes time for the goods to be delivered. The domestic concentrate TC and imported TC continue to diverge, with the domestic concentrate TC declining and the domestic smelting profit narrowing, but it does not affect the smelting enthusiasm for the time being, and the domestic supply pressure remains. Although there has been no significant change in the domestic supply side, in addition to the marginal change in the domestic concentrate TC, the opening of the export window has also reversed the original short - allocation logic marginally. This will make the later Shanghai zinc price more sensitive to the overseas macro - positive factors, and the internal - external linkage will strengthen. There are unlikely to be further unexpected negative factors in the later stage. With the long - term interest rate cut expectation unchanged, there is no need to be overly pessimistic about the impact of tariffs under the background of consumption resilience and re - inflation. [4] 3. Summary by Related Catalogs Important Data - **Spot**: The LME zinc spot premium is $87.22 per ton. The SMM Shanghai zinc spot price is 22,010 yuan per ton, a decrease of 200 yuan per ton from the previous trading day, with a spot premium of - 50 yuan per ton; the SMM Guangdong zinc spot price is 22,000 yuan per ton, a decrease of 210 yuan per ton from the previous trading day, with a spot premium of - 60 yuan per ton; the Tianjin zinc spot price is 22,040 yuan per ton, a decrease of 180 yuan per ton from the previous trading day, with a spot premium of - 20 yuan per ton. [1] - **Futures**: On October 15, 2025, the Shanghai zinc main contract opened at 22,020 yuan per ton and closed at 22,015 yuan per ton, a decrease of 260 yuan per ton from the previous trading day. The trading volume for the whole trading day was 124,266 lots, and the positions were 89,912 lots. The highest price during the day reached 22,070 yuan per ton, and the lowest price reached 21,915 yuan per ton. [2] - **Inventory**: As of October 15, 2025, the total inventory of zinc ingots in seven regions monitored by SMM was 163,100 tons, a change of 12,900 tons from the previous period. As of October 15, 2025, the LME zinc inventory was 38,350 tons, a change of - 250 tons from the previous trading day. [3] Strategy - Unilateral: Cautiously bullish. - Arbitrage: Neutral. [5]

1. Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant content provided. 2. Core Views of the Report - The Fed restarted the interest - rate cut cycle, which is favorable for risk assets, but the US government shutdown and the resurgence of China - US tariff conflicts have increased macro uncertainties. China's economy faces certain pressures, and new policy - based financial instruments are expected to strengthen economic growth this year, with the possibility of further policy stimulus still existing [3][88]. - The divergence between domestic and foreign zinc processing fees has intensified. The inflection point of domestic ore processing fees has emerged, and there is still room for adjustment as smelters' winter storage demand rises. The continuous decline in the price of by - product sulfuric acid has compressed smelter profit margins, reducing production enthusiasm. Although refined zinc supply will recover in October, the room for further growth is limited. The current Shanghai - London price ratio is near the critical point for zinc ingot exports, and the opening of the export window is expected to relieve the domestic surplus pressure [3][88]. - The peak consumption season is somewhat dull. The start - up rate of primary enterprises has improved month - on - month but is weaker than the same period. They maintain a just - in - time purchasing rhythm and lack the willingness to actively replenish inventories. In the terminal market, infrastructure has a marginal repair demand and may become an important support for demand in the future; the consumption of automobiles and household appliances remains resilient, the performance in the wind and solar sectors is divergent, the export of galvanized sheets faces weakening pressure, and the real estate sector continues to be weak [3][88]. - Overall, there are more overseas macro disturbances, and market sentiment may fluctuate. The macro trend is less clear. Fundamentally, the situation remains strong overseas and weak domestically. The resumption of smelter production has promoted supply recovery, and demand lacks significant highlights, leading to an increase in supply - demand pressure. However, the expectation of zinc ingot exports is strengthening, which will relieve the domestic surplus pressure, while the liquidity risk of LME zinc will also decrease. These two forces will balance each other, and zinc prices are expected to fluctuate weakly [3][90]. 3. Summary by Relevant Catalogs 3.1 Zinc Market Review - In September, the main contract price of SHFE zinc first rose and then declined, seeking support. At the beginning of the month, supported by the Fed's interest - rate cut expectation and the peak consumption season, zinc prices fluctuated strongly. After the Fed cut interest rates, the market sold on the news, and the strong US economic data supported the US dollar, causing zinc prices to fall to 21,825 yuan/ton, with a monthly decline of 1.42%. LME zinc rose first and then fell. In the first half of the month, it broke through $2,900/ton and reached a high of $3,003.5/ton. After the interest - rate cut and hawkish remarks from Powell, it corrected and closed at $2,956.5/ton, with a monthly increase of 5.06% [8]. 3.2 Macroeconomic Analysis 3.2.1 US Situation - The US economy is cooling but remains resilient. The Q2 real GDP grew by 2.08% year - on - year and 3.8% quarter - on - quarter. In August, retail sales increased by 4.8% year - on - year and 0.6% month - on - month. In September, the ISM manufacturing PMI was 49.1, but new orders declined. The non - manufacturing PMI was 50, with business activity falling below the boom - bust line. The ADP employment data in September decreased by 32,000, and inflation continued to rise slowly. In September, the Fed cut interest rates by 25bp to 4.0 - 4.25% [11][12]. - The US government shut down in late September, and Trump announced additional tariffs on China in October, which increased market uncertainties [13]. 3.2.2 Eurozone Situation - In September, the eurozone's manufacturing PMI fell to 49.5, while the services PMI rose to 51.4. Inflation rose slightly, and the unemployment rate dropped to 6.2% in August. The ECB kept interest rates unchanged in September, and its officials' statements were cautious [14]. 3.2.3 China's Situation - In August, most of China's economic indicators continued to decline. Exports, industrial production, consumption, and investment all showed different degrees of slowdown. The manufacturing PMI in September was 49.8%, and the non - manufacturing PMI fell to 50.0%. The consumption during the National Day holiday was structurally differentiated [16]. - Policy support is expected. The Politburo meeting in September decided to hold the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, and new policy - based financial instruments worth 500 billion yuan are expected to boost infrastructure investment [17]. 3.3 Zinc Fundamental Analysis 3.3.1 Zinc Ore Supply - Global zinc concentrate supply has recovered as expected. From January to July 2025, the cumulative output was 7.1994 million tons, a year - on - year increase of 6.02%. Overseas zinc concentrate output is expected to increase by about 550,000 tons this year, and domestic output is expected to increase by about 100,000 tons [30]. - The divergence between domestic and foreign processing fees has intensified. In October, the average domestic processing fee was 3,650 yuan/ton, a month - on - month decrease of 300 yuan/ton, while the average import processing fee was $87.51/dry ton, a month - on - month increase of $16.83/dry ton. In August 2025, 467,300 tons of zinc concentrate were imported, and from January to August, the cumulative import volume was 3.5027 million tons, a year - on - year increase of 43.06% [34][35]. 3.3.2 Refined Zinc Supply - Overseas smelters are operating at low loads, while China contributes to the increase in supply. From January to July 2025, global refined zinc output was 7.911 million tons, a year - on - year decrease of 1.15%. Overseas output decreased by 4.7%, while China's output increased by 2.65% [41]. - From January to September 2025, the cumulative output of refined zinc was 5.0691 million tons, a year - on - year increase of 8.85%. In September, the output was 600,100 tons, a month - on - month decrease of 4.2%. It is expected that the output in October will increase by 3.77% to 622,700 tons. In August, 25,600 tons of refined zinc were imported, and from January to August, the cumulative import volume was 235,500 tons, a year - on - year decrease of 11.81%. The import window remains closed, and the export window may open [45][46]. 3.3.3 Refined Zinc Demand - Globally, from January to July 2025, refined zinc consumption was 7.843 million tons, a year - on - year increase of 2.12%. Overseas consumption increased by 1.33%, and domestic consumption increased by 2.96%. The supply surplus in the global zinc market was 72,000 tons, a significant reduction from the previous year [56]. - In the overseas market, the real estate and automotive sectors showed marginal improvement. In the US, new home sales in August reached an annualized rate of 800,000 units, and new car sales in August were 1.4913 million units. In the eurozone, the construction confidence index improved slightly [57]. - In September, the start - up rate of primary processing enterprises showed a slow recovery. In August, 1.0975 million tons of galvanized sheets were exported, and from January to August, the cumulative export volume was 9.2182 million tons, a year - on - year increase of 10.96% [60][62]. - In the traditional infrastructure sector, investment growth has declined, but there is a demand for recovery. In the real estate sector, investment and sales continue to be weak. In the automotive and household appliance sectors, production and sales are resilient. In the emerging consumption sector, the photovoltaic industry is expected to drive zinc consumption growth, and the wind power industry is also developing well [64][72][73]. 3.3.4 Global Visible Inventory - In September, LME zinc inventory continued to decline, reaching 38,200 tons at the end of the month. The LME 0 - 3 spot premium rose and then slightly declined to $55.98/ton. - In September, China's social inventory first increased and then decreased, reaching 141,400 tons at the end of the month. There is a strong expectation of inventory accumulation during the National Day holiday in early October, but inventory is expected to decline again after the holiday [87].