Zinc Hovers Near 4-Year High

2026-08-19 02:13 By Judith Sib-at 1 min. read

Zinc futures traded around $3,700 per tonne, near a four-year high, supported by tightening near-term supply, production disruptions, and low inventories.

Heavy rainfall and flooding across parts of China, the world’s largest zinc producer, have threatened mining and smelting operations.

On top of that, production adjustments at a mine in Southwest China are expected to reduce August zinc concentrate output by around 1,000 tonnes, while maintenance at a smelter in Central China could cut refined production by another 1,000–1,500 tonnes.

Supply concerns have also spread to other major producers.

Glencore’s own-sourced zinc production fell in the first half of 2026, while Boliden’s zinc concentrate output declined quarter-on-quarter and MMG’s production decreased year-on-year in Q2.

Moreover, LME zinc inventories have dropped to their lowest level since December, while high canceled warrants and falling on-warrant stocks signal that less metal is readily available for immediate delivery.



News Stream
Zinc Hovers Near 4-Year High
Zinc futures traded around $3,700 per tonne, near a four-year high, supported by tightening near-term supply, production disruptions, and low inventories. Heavy rainfall and flooding across parts of China, the world’s largest zinc producer, have threatened mining and smelting operations. On top of that, production adjustments at a mine in Southwest China are expected to reduce August zinc concentrate output by around 1,000 tonnes, while maintenance at a smelter in Central China could cut refined production by another 1,000–1,500 tonnes. Supply concerns have also spread to other major producers. Glencore’s own-sourced zinc production fell in the first half of 2026, while Boliden’s zinc concentrate output declined quarter-on-quarter and MMG’s production decreased year-on-year in Q2. Moreover, LME zinc inventories have dropped to their lowest level since December, while high canceled warrants and falling on-warrant stocks signal that less metal is readily available for immediate delivery.
2026-08-19
Zinc Climbs to Over 4-Year High
Zinc futures climbed above $3,750 per tonne, the highest level since June 2022, amid tightening supply conditions and concerns over production disruptions in China, the world’s largest zinc producer. Heavy rainfall and flooding hit parts of China, threatening mining and smelting activities. This comes as production adjustments at a zinc mine in Southwest China are expected to reduce concentrate output by around 1,000 tonnes in August, while routine maintenance at a smelter in Central China could lower refined output by 1,000-1,500 tonnes. Supply constraints have also emerged among other major producers. Glencore reported a 21% year-on-year decline in own-sourced zinc production in the first half of 2026, while Boliden’s zinc concentrate production dropped 16.8% quarter-on-quarter and MMG’s output fell 1% year-on-year in the second quarter. Moreover, LME zinc inventories have fallen to their lowest level since December, indicating tight near-term availability.
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Zinc Hits Near 4-year High
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2026-08-03