Mainstream zinc transactions in Guangdong experienced a pullback in the price center, leading to more dip‑buying and increased downstream price fixing. Spot premiums edged higher as trader activity picked up.
Guangdong zinc inventories have fallen to cyclical lows, tightening supply and supporting spot premiums. However, downstream demand remains weak, keeping premium fluctuations limited.
Asia
Active Zinc Oxide prices in Asia generally declined throughout 2025, though prices stabilized in some months of the year. During the first quarter of 2025, low demand from tire and vehicle manufacturers, especially in China, together with plant shutdowns during holiday seasons, led to continuously declining prices. Prices during the early months of 2025 were stable as production activities started off slow, partly due to lower prices of zinc ingot.
During the second quarter of 2025, prices faced downward pressure as inventory levels were still high and demand from the rubber and tire sector was slow. However, supply-side factors such as steel ash shortages and environmental concerns also acted as price supports during the second quarter. During mid-2025, prices of raw materials started to rise, but demand during the period was moderate, leading to relatively stable prices. Towards the end of 2025, plant activities declined somewhat during environmental inspections, but prices failed to rise due to low demand.
Europe
The prices of active zinc oxide in the European region were soft to stable in the year 2025. In the initial months of the year, the prices were soft due to low zinc prices. In the latter months after the holidays, the demand was better. In the middle of the year, the global zinc supply was low. This provided some upward pressure on the prices. However, the demand was low in the local industry. In the final months of the year, the prices were soft. The demand was low in the key industry. The energy prices were high. The production was restricted by the regulations.
North America
The prices of active zinc oxide in North America were in a narrow band throughout 2025. The prices declined slightly in the first half of 2025 due to lower demand from tire and rubber industries, as well as lower zinc ingot prices. The trade tensions, including tariffs, also affected the buying sentiment, which was cautious in nature. The market was in balance in the middle of 2025, with stable supply and moderate demand from industrial sources. The prices were stable but slightly weak in the fourth quarter, with sufficient stocks in place and no pick-up in demand.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, Active Zinc Oxide prices are expected to remain mostly stable, supported by steady industrial consumption and moderate supply constraints, with limited potential for sharp movements.
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Asia
The active zinc oxide market in Asia recorded moderate gains during the second half of 2024. The prices were mainly affected by zinc metal prices, which were used as raw materials. During the early part of H2, mining activities in China were affected by heavy rains, which caused a halt in mining activities. This caused prices to rise. However, with the commencement of mining activities in August, production levels were high, causing minor corrections in prices. The demand for active zinc oxide in major consuming sectors remained strong. Investments in infrastructure development, especially in India, also remained strong. The demand for active zinc oxide in tire manufacturing also remained strong. Though there were minor issues in logistics, supply levels were balanced, which caused prices to remain stable with minor upward pressure.
Europe
The prices of active zinc oxide in Europe followed a consistent pattern in H2’24. The prices experienced some volatility in the initial period of the half due to supply-side issues, including the increasing costs of imported zinc. Demand from the downstream sectors, including the rubber and paints industries, was moderate, whereas demand from the automotive and construction sectors was recovering slowly. The government took measures to support local zinc production, which kept the market stable despite the presence of inflation and geopolitical factors.
North America
North America witnessed a gradually increasing trend in the prices of active zinc oxide in the said quarter. The prices were closely linked to the prices of zinc metals. The prices of zinc metals were highly volatile due to global supply factors and the expectation of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. The demand for active zinc oxide in tire manufacturing, paints, and cosmetics was robust and consistent. However, the region witnessed some disruptions in the supply chain due to hurricanes. The overall balance in the region was moderate.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, Active Zinc Oxide prices are expected to remain stable to slightly bullish, supported by steady industrial demand and manageable supply constraints.
Active zinc oxide is a highly reactive form of zinc oxide characterized by its fine particle size and high surface area. It appears as a white or pale yellow powder and is valued for its enhanced chemical reactivity. This form of zinc oxide is widely used in various industrial applications due to its superior performance. In the rubber industry, it serves as an activator in the vulcanization process, enhancing the durability and elasticity of rubber products.
It also acts as a fluxing agent in ceramics and glass production, lowering melting temperatures and improving product properties. Additionally, active zinc oxide is used in coatings, paints, adhesives, and sealants for its UV protection and durability. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties make it a crucial ingredient in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, particularly in sunscreens and skin treatments.
ZnO
Rubber industry, Catalyst, Paint and coatings, Adhesives, Antibacterial and Antifungal product
7664-41-7, Azane, Ammonia gas, Spirit of hartshorn
US Inc Zochem, Umicore, Chemet, IncNacional, Silox, GH Chemicals
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
The thermal decomposition of zinc ore in the presence of oxygen gives solid zinc oxide and sulfur dioxide in gaseous form. This zinc oxide is then reduced using a carbon source such as coke/anthracite to convert it onto gaseous zinc. The zinc in gaseous form is further oxidized to give active zinc oxide.
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