ILZSG Sees 273,000MT Refined Zinc Surplus in 2013

Platts reported that the International Lead and Zinc Study Group (ILZSG) says global output of refined zinc will have a surplus of 273,000 mt this year due to a rise in production by 2.3%.

As quoted in the market news:

In 2013, an overall forecast rise in refined zinc metal production of 5.2% to 13.25 million mt will be driven primarily by an expected 9.7% increase in China,” the ILZSG said.

In Europe, the restart of the Porto Vesme refinery in Italy will be the primary influence behind a rise of 1.9%, it added.

Output is also expected to be higher in Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, South Korea and Peru.

The industry body predicts that after falling by 3.3% in 2012, global demand for refined zinc metal will rise by 5.2% to 12.98 million mt in 2013.

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