The operating rates of galvanising producers this week were 61.21%, down 1.17 percentage points WoW. Raw material side, zinc prices pulled back to levels more acceptable to downstream this week. Downstream players stockpiled for the Labour Day holiday in a timely manner, and zinc ingot inventory at galvanising enterprises increased.

[Some Galvanizing Plants Started Holiday Early, Operating Rates Weakened]: The operating rates of galvanising producers this week were 61.21%, down 1.17 percentage points WoW. Raw material side, zinc prices pulled back to levels more acceptable to downstream this week. Downstream players stockpiled ahead of the Labour Day holiday in a timely manner, and zinc ingot inventory at galvanising enterprises increased.

Ahead of the Labour Day holiday, SMM surveyed galvanising enterprises on their holiday arrangements. This survey covered 27 galvanising enterprises with a total capacity of 20.10 million mt. According to SMM, some enterprises will take 1-13 days off during the Labour Day holiday, while others will maintain normal production without any break, with an estimated total impact on zinc consumption of approximately 5,785 mt.

As the Labour Day holiday approaches, SMM communicated with galvanized sheet enterprises regarding their holiday arrangements. The survey covered 20 galvanized sheet enterprises with a combined capacity of 17.06 million mt/year, affecting zinc consumption of 243 mt

[Stable Production Schedules at Galvanizing Plants, Operating Rates Edged Up Slightly]: The operating rates of galvanising producers stood at 62.38% this week, up 0.25 percentage points WoW. Raw material side, zinc prices fluctuated at highs throughout the week, with downstream buyers mainly restocking on rigid demand. There was no pre-holiday stockpiling sentiment for the time being, and zinc ingot inventory at galvanising enterprises declined slightly.

SMM, April 22: According to SMM, zinc slag payables have remained at elevated levels. What are the reasons behind this? How will they trend going forward?