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Zinc: 5 things to look for in 2018
*Please note that this report only includes an Excel data file if this is indicated in "What's included" below
Report summary
2017 was another exciting year for the zinc market. The combination of scheduled mine closures, Glencore's strategic cuts, and the impact of environmental inspections in China depleted global stocks of concentrate. The consequent constraints on refined production ensured that the rally in the zinc price that started in 2016 was sustained with the price moving from $2556/t at the end of 2016 to $3309/t at the end of the year, a rise of 29% and its highest level for a decade. With the price close to ten-year highs the key issues for 2018 revolve around the supply response to such high prices and the availability of refined metal.
Table of contents
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Executive Summary
- How will environmental issues affect supply in China?
- Will new mine ramp-ups and restarts proceed on schedule?
- Can smelters increase utilisation rates to meet demand growth
- Will demand destruction rebalance the market?
- Timing is everything
Tables and charts
This report includes the following images and tables:
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Zinc stocks and price
What's included
This report contains:
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