Mines previously disrupted are expected to recover and restart operations in October, boosting domestic zinc concentrate supply. The increase in feedstock availability could ease upward price pressure. This development points to a potential loosening of the zinc market.
Spot zinc prices in Guangdong edged higher with premiums over the futures contract increasing. Purchasing sentiment softened while sales sentiment remained stronger, supporting the uptick. The price center shifted upward despite softer buying.
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc | China | FOB | USD 3,800.53/MT | August 2026 |
| Zinc | India | CIF | USD 3,891.32/MT | August 2026 |
| Zinc | USA | CIF | USD 3,956.15/MT | August 2026 |
| Zinc | Germany | CIF | USD 3,914.12/MT | August 2026 |
| Zinc | Australia | CIF | USD 3,895.20/MT | August 2026 |
| Zinc | China | FOB | USD 3,619.20/MT | July 2026 |
| Zinc | India | CIF | USD 3,726.01/MT | July 2026 |
| Zinc | USA | CIF | USD 3,806.69/MT | July 2026 |
| Zinc | Germany | CIF | USD 3,752.83/MT | July 2026 |
| Zinc | Australia | CIF | USD 3,717.66/MT | July 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Zinc prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
Asia
In China, the average price of Zinc rose from ~USD 3,619.20/MT (FOB) in July to ~USD 3,800.53/MT in August, an increase of ~5.0%. India followed with a rise of about 4.4%, from ~USD 3,726.01/MT (CIF) to ~USD 3,891.32/MT. Chinese smelters faced severe feedstock pressure, as treatment charges turned negative and safety inspections shut some mines in North China, making imported concentrate loss-making. Even so, China's refined output grew 5.9% in the first half of the year, and weak domestic demand pushed more metal into export markets, which helped cap the rally in September. Pre-holiday restocking reduced ingot stocks late in the quarter. Indian import prices followed the firmer global trend.
Europe
In Germany, zinc averaged approximately USD 3,752.83/MT (CIF) in July and climbed to about USD 3,914.12/MT in August, a rise of ~4.3%. European prices tracked the LME benchmark, which surged in August as exchange stocks fell to very low levels and buyers paid large premiums for nearby metal. Refined output outside China fell 3.4% in the first half, adding to supply concerns. The Budel smelter in the Netherlands was placed under strategic review due to high energy costs and very low treatment charges. Arrivals of Chinese metal in LME warehouses eased the squeeze in September.
North America
In the USA, average zinc import prices increased from nearly USD 3,806.69/MT (CIF) in July to roughly USD 3,956.15/MT in August, up ~3.9%. North America relies heavily on imported refined zinc, as domestic smelting output is limited, so higher global prices passed through to buyers. Mine supply also weakened, with output falling at Red Dog in Alaska and Antamina in Peru, which tightened concentrate availability for Western smelters.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, zinc prices are likely to stay firm on tight supply outside China and low treatment charges, though rising Chinese exports and weak demand may limit further gains.
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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.
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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