SMM April 25 News:
This week, the operating rate of die-casting zinc alloy recorded 58.98%, up 0.58 percentage points MoM. Inventory-wise, the center of zinc prices continued to rise this week, leading companies to reduce raw material inventory purchases. Meanwhile, some large manufacturers had significant raw material purchases last week, focusing on consuming existing inventories this week. In terms of finished product inventories, some companies planned to halt production for holidays next week, driving an increase in raw material inventories. The rise in the operating rate of die-casting zinc alloy this week was mainly due to some companies planning holidays next week, resulting in a slight production increase this week. Additionally, previously halted production resumed normal operations this week, boosting overall production. In terms of end-user orders, previous low prices prompted downstream stockpiling, coupled with some sectors entering the seasonal off-season, leading to generally moderate order demand. The previously strong demand for electronic-grade zinc oxide also weakened recently. In export orders, shipments to Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East remained relatively normal, but orders to the US faced cancellations and returns, with no significant "rush to export" observed in the market. Next week, as some die-casting zinc alloy plants plan holidays, the operating rate is expected to drop to 51.55%.
