SMM

SHANGHAI, Aug 22 (SMM) - The average operating rate of die-casting zinc alloy plants increased by 2.87 percentage points to 38.76% last week. The raw material inventory increased slightly but still hovered at a low level as enterprises purchased as needed. In order to restock, some large-scale manufacturers that had previously cut or halted the production resumed the operation last week. At the same time, power rationing policies and extreme heat forced the enterprises to reduce the working hours, and most of the small and medium-sized manufacturers had difficulties sustaining their operating rates. But altogether, the average operating rate of die-casting zinc alloy plants still increased slightly last week. In addition, finished product inventory declined due to the low operating rates of large-scale manufacturers in central and east China. In fact, in the middle and late August of previous years, overseas orders had risen as a result of stockpiling for the Christmas holiday. However, no improvement in overseas orders has been observed so far this year. Therefore, it is expected that the average operating rate of die-casting zinc alloy enterprises will remain at a low level this week.