SHFE zinc futures rose sharply, pushing up spot offers in Shanghai, but downstream buyers showed little enthusiasm and inquiry interest was weak. Traders reported poor shipments, and some suppliers lowered ingot premium quotes to encourage sales, signalling near-term resistance to further gains.
Australia's H1 2026 zinc concentrate output fell as Lady Loretta closed, and wet-season rail/port disruptions delayed some shipments to China. The regional concentrate balance is tighter, keeping spot treatment charges under short-term pressure; medium-term additions may offset some losses.
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc | China | FOB | USD 3,620.10/MT | June 2026 |
| Zinc | India | CIF | USD 3,707.65/MT | June 2026 |
| Zinc | USA | CIF | USD 3,775.05/MT | June 2026 |
| Zinc | Germany | CIF | USD 3,741.59/MT | June 2026 |
| Zinc | Australia | CIF | USD 3,686.18/MT | June 2026 |
| Zinc | China | FOB | USD 3,582.90/MT | May 2026 |
| Zinc | India | CIF | USD 3,650.24/MT | May 2026 |
| Zinc | USA | CIF | USD 3,702.09/MT | May 2026 |
| Zinc | Germany | CIF | USD 3,676.35/MT | May 2026 |
| Zinc | Australia | CIF | USD 3,633.73/MT | May 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Zinc prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
Asia
In the second quarter of 2026, the monthly average zinc price in China was ~RMB 23.46/kg in April and ~RMB 24.34/kg in the subsequent month, showing an increase of ~3.8%. Meanwhile, the monthly average zinc price in India was ~INR 332.61/kg in April and ~INR 346.64/kg in the subsequent month, showing an increase of ~4.2% during the quarter. Price levels improved due to low availability of refined metal amid smelter maintenance schedule and limited supply of concentrates. Price levels were supported by stable export from Asian countries and galvanizing demand from infrastructure and construction sectors domestically.
Europe
The monthly average zinc price in Germany was ~EUR 2.96/kg in April and ~EUR 3.23/kg in the subsequent month, showing an increase of ~9.1% during Q2’26. Prices rose due to constrained smelter output and tighter refined metal availability across European markets. Import dependence from external suppliers remained high, while steady demand from construction and automotive galvanizing supported market tightness.
North America
In the second quarter of 2026, the monthly average zinc price in North America was ~USD 3,539.41/MT in April and ~USD 3,702.09/MT in the subsequent month, showing an increase of ~4.6%. Prices were higher owing to tight availability of refined metal and steady demand from galvanizing sectors. The production from smelters was moderate, while the steel consumption owing to infrastructure was strong.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, zinc prices are expected to remain firm with periodic fluctuations, driven more by smelter supply constraints and concentrate availability than by significant shifts in downstream demand.
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Asia
In China, zinc prices were about RMB 24.43/kg (Spot FD) in January and around RMB 24.31/kg in March, while prices increased 11.01% quarter on quarter. Prices faced pressure from high smelter output and adequate raw material availability, while weak downstream demand in construction and galvanizing limited upside. At the same time, geopolitical tensions and logistics disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz raised freight costs and added uncertainty to raw material flows, supporting prices despite weak consumption.
In India, prices increased from INR 321.29/kg in January to INR 337.20/kg in March, supported by firm global sentiment and supply risks. However, demand remained cautious due to weak downstream steel consumption, while higher logistics costs and energy-linked disruptions from the Iran conflict added cost pressure across the supply chain.
Europe
In Europe, zinc prices rose from EUR 2.80/kg (Spot FD) in January to EUR 2.85/kg in March, with a 9.55% quarter-on-quarter increase. The European zinc market remained tight despite rising global mine supply, as surplus metal was largely concentrated in China and did not flow into Western markets. Europe continued to rely on Chinese exports to alleviate shortages, which kept LME prices elevated and supply conditions constrained, while geopolitical risks and shipping disruptions through key routes added to price support.
North America
In North America, zinc prices followed a stable to firm trend, supported by global supply risks and steady consumption. The Iran war and reduced shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz tightened global logistics, raising costs and influencing pricing across the region.
Zinc is an essential mineral and a heavy metal that is utilised in multivitamins as well as the mineral supplements. It is 24th most abundant chemical element that can be found on earth naturally. It remains slight brittle at room temperature. In appearance, it looks blueish silver. The element has five stable isotopes.
Zn
Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals, Batteries, Alloy, Automotive Parts
7440-66-6, Zinc Dust
American Elements, The Doe Run Resources Corporation, Korea Zinc Co., Ltd., Hindustan Zinc Limited, Glencore plc, Nexa Resources
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 extraction procedure of Zinc is known as smelting that can be done via two ways, that is, via pyrometallurgical process and the hydrometallurgical process or electrolysis process. This process is more common and made of four steps, which are leaching, purification, electrolysis, and melting and casting. Casting is the final process where pure Zinc is obtained from melted cathodes in a furnace.
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The Study Offers a Detailed Cost Analysis of Zinc Production Process from Mining. In Addition, the Report Incorporates the Manufacturing Process With Detailed Process and Material Flow, Operating Costs Along With Financial Expenses and Depreciation Charges.
Zinc Ingot Manufacturing Plant Project Report thoroughly focuses on every detail that encompasses the cost of manufacturing. Our extensive cost model meticulously covers breaking down expenses around raw materials, labour, technology, and manufacturing expenses. This enables precise cost structure optimization and helps in identifying effective strategies to reduce the overall cash cost of manufacturing.
Unlock full access to Procurement Resource's price databases, interactive charts, and short-term forecasts for thousands of commodities. Elevate your sourcing decisions by comparing prices across regions, downloading historical data, and layering in analyst-backed insights, all with our flexible plans that scale as your portfolio grows.
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