[Safety inspections in some regions weighed on zinc oxide operating rates this week] The decline in zinc oxide operating rates this week was mainly due to recent safety inspections at some enterprises during the week, which dragged down operations......

According to the latest customs data, China’s zinc oxide imports reached 342.78 tonnes in May, rising 53.16% month-on-month. Cumulative imports from January to May stood at 2,592.66 tonnes, up 1.7% year-on-year.China exported 1,693.81 tonnes of zinc oxide in May, a month-on-month drop of 18.71%. Total exports for the first five months hit 8,831.86 tonnes, surging 51.82% year-on-year. Breakdown of May import and export volumes is as follows:

[SMM Flash News] Per latest customs data, China’s May 2026 zinc oxide imports were 342.78 tons, down 53.16% MoM. Jan-May total imports stood at 2,592.66 tons, up 1.70% YoY cumulatively.

[SMM Flash News] According to the latest customs data, China's exports of zinc oxide stood at 1,693.81 tons in May 2026, falling 18.71% month-on-month. The cumulative export volume of zinc oxide from January to May 2026 reached 8,831.86 tons, representing a year-on-year cumulative increase of 51.82%.

[End-Use Demand Performance Weak, Zinc Oxide Demand Mediocre] Currently, it is in the traditional consumption off-season. Demand in downstream sectors such as rubber, feed, and chemicals shows no noticeable improvement, with limited incremental volume of end-user orders. This is dragging down the production willingness of zinc oxide enterprises, and operating rates continue to weaken...

2026 marks the first year of the "15th Five-Year Plan." Against the backdrop of intensifying global macro fluctuations and China's deepening push for high-quality development, the zinc industry is undergoing profound transformation: structural tensions emerge from ore supply tightness and the release of smelting capacity, differentiated domestic and overseas inventories reflect the complex supply-demand rebalancing, and technological innovation is becoming the key momentum to resolve contradictions and reshape the pattern. New energy, new-type infrastructure, and other key areas of the "15th Five-Year Plan" are injecting new momentum into traditional zinc consumption, while green, low-carbon, and circular economy principles are accelerating industrial logic reconstruction driven by technological innovation. With the support of upstream and downstream zinc enterprises, industry associations, and related parties, SMM is organizing the 2026 SMM Zinc Conference, concurrently held with the 8th Hot-dip Galvanizing Industry Development and Technology Innovation Forum, the 14th Zinc Salt, Zinc Oxide, and Secondary Zinc Resources Development Forum, and the Foundry Zinc Alloy Development Forum, which will be held from August 6 to 8 in Qingdao, Shandong. Under the theme of "Gathering Zinc Momentum · Building the Zinc Industry · Embarking on a New Journey," the conference is driven by both macro perspectives and fundamental analysis. Adhering closely to the main theme of "15th Five-Year Plan" high-quality development, it will focus on four dimensions—macro policies, supply-demand pattern, global trade, and technological innovation. Through technological breakthroughs to drive cost reduction and efficiency improvement, and collaborative innovation to address market fluctuations, it aims to jointly draw a new blueprint for the high-quality, sustainable development of the zinc industry. Qingdao Haiyan Chemical Co., Ltd. will attend this grand event, discuss industry development trends with industry peers, and work together to advance the zinc industry to new heights. Click to register now and join us to witness and participate in this momentous and far-reaching industry event, co-creating a glorious new chapter! Qingdao Haiyan Chemical Co., Ltd. is located in the Wenquan Subdistrict Office, the core area of the Qingdao Blue Silicon Valley, Shandong Province, covering an area of 33,600 m² with a building area of 25,000 m². It is mainly engaged in the production of zinc oxide, including indirect-process zinc oxide and new-process zinc oxide. The "Haiguan Brand" zinc oxide is popular in many application fields such as rubber, tires, zinc salts, electronics, and coatings. Its current annual capacity is 80,000 mt. The company is actively advancing the construction of a new plant in Southeast Asia, with a planned total capacity of 100,000 mt. Since its establishment in 1986, Qingdao Haiyan Chemical has upheld the principle of quality-based operation, taking the lead in the industry by introducing advanced detection equipment such as atomic absorption spectrometers, laser particle size analyzers, and specific surface area detectors to ensure the quality of its outgoing zinc oxide, earning unanimous praise from clients. Its products are currently sold to major tire enterprises in and outside China, including Bridgestone, Continental, Yokohama, Sailun Jinyu Group, Giti Tire, Cooper Tire, Zhongce Group, Xiamen Zhengxin, Prinx Chengshan, Triangle Tire Co., Ltd., Shandong Linglong, Anhui Double Coin, and Doublestar Group. The company took the lead in the industry to pass the IATF 16949 quality system certification, ISO 9001 certification, ISO 14000 certification, and ISO 45001 certification. It fosters a corporate culture of "Love the factory, dedication, integrity, and friendliness," and "Establish a craftsman spirit to achieve excellent quality." "The Haiyan people regard quality as life and customers as God," always offering the best products, the best service, and the best reputation to users; serving users is our constant theme. ◆ Contact ◆ Cheng Zhiqiang 15154239999 Sun Xitang 18669862770 Long press and scan to register now 2026 SMM Zinc Conference