Zinc Spot Price
Live zinc prices and interactive charts
Frequently Asked Questions About Zinc Prices
What is zinc used for?
Zinc's primary applications include: galvanizing steel (50% of demand) for corrosion protection, die-casting for automotive and industrial parts, brass production, zinc oxide in rubber and chemicals, batteries (zinc-air, emerging), and nutritional supplements. Its corrosion resistance properties make it essential for infrastructure and construction longevity.
What drives zinc prices?
Zinc prices are influenced by: (1) Steel and construction demand (galvanizing); (2) Automotive production (die-casting); (3) Chinese infrastructure spending (50% of demand); (4) Mine supply and smelting capacity; (5) Concentrate availability and treatment charges; (6) LME inventory levels; (7) US Dollar strength; and (8) Substitution with aluminum or coating alternatives. Economic growth is the primary driver.
Why is zinc important for infrastructure?
Zinc protects steel from corrosion through galvanizing, extending infrastructure lifespan by decades. Applications include bridges, buildings, power transmission towers, guardrails, and pipelines. With aging infrastructure needing replacement/upgrade globally and increased focus on durability, zinc demand from this sector remains robust. Infrastructure spending programs directly impact zinc consumption.
Is zinc a good investment?
Zinc offers exposure to global construction and manufacturing activity. Investment considerations: economically sensitive (pro-cyclical), significant exposure to Chinese infrastructure demand, potential supply tightness from mine depletion, and less media attention than other metals (potential opportunity). Access via futures, ETFs, or mining stocks. Suitable for investors seeking base metal diversification.
What is the zinc supply outlook?
Zinc faces supply challenges: mature mines depleting, declining ore grades, limited new major discoveries, smelting capacity constraints, and energy-intensive processing (environmental pressures). Meanwhile, demand from infrastructure, EVs (die-casting), and renewable energy (corrosion protection) is growing. Some analysts forecast deficits emerging in 2024-2025, potentially supporting higher prices.
How is zinc used in renewable energy?
Zinc plays important roles in renewable energy: galvanized steel in wind turbines and solar panel frames (corrosion protection), die-cast components in electric vehicles, zinc-air batteries (emerging storage technology), power transmission infrastructure, and manufacturing equipment. The energy transition requires durable, long-lasting infrastructure where zinc's protective properties are essential.