Zinc Ingot Price Trend Analysis: Q1 2024
In the first quarter of 2024, India’s zinc ingot market experienced a decline in prices, with rates falling by ₹2,841 per metric ton, representing a 3.28% decrease. This downturn was influenced by several factors. Globally, zinc prices faced downward pressure due to increased production and narrowing market deficits. The International Lead and Zinc Study Group reported a narrowing of the global zinc market deficit, which contributed to easing price pressures.
Domestically, while Hindustan Zinc Ltd. reported its highest-ever first-quarter mined and refined metal production, the increase in supply did not coincide with a corresponding rise in demand, leading to a softening of prices. Additionally, the broader economic environment, including concerns over global economic growth and excess supplies, further weighed on zinc prices. These combined factors led to a subdued zinc ingot market in India during Q1 2024.
Zinc Ingot Price Trend Analysis: Q2 2024
In Q2 2024, India’s zinc ingot market experienced a strong price rally, with rates climbing by ₹3,193 per metric ton, marking a notable 12.38% increase. This significant rise was fueled by a rebound in demand from infrastructure and automotive sectors, coinciding with seasonal recovery in construction activities. On the supply side, although production levels improved especially from major players like Hindustan Zinc logistics challenges and intermittent disruptions in raw material availability created temporary bottlenecks, tightening the market.
Additionally, global zinc prices showed an upward trend, influenced by a firming dollar and geopolitical concerns, which translated into stronger domestic pricing. Overall, the quarter reflected a bullish sentiment in the zinc ingot segment, underpinned by a combination of industrial demand, strategic inventory management, and favorable pricing dynamics.
Zinc Ingot Price Trend Analysis: Q3 2024
In the third quarter of 2024, India’s zinc ingot market saw a sharp increase in pricing, with rates climbing by ₹3,478 per metric ton, an 8.92% rise. This price movement reflected tightening domestic supply amid strong demand, particularly from the construction and automotive industries, both of which experienced heightened activity during the post-monsoon rebound. The quarter also witnessed improved global sentiment, with international zinc prices firming up due to constrained output from key producing regions.
Domestically, operational efficiencies among producers like Hindustan Zinc contributed to better profit margins, despite fluctuating input costs. The blend of robust industrial demand, reduced cost of production, and external price pressures culminated in a buoyant market for zinc ingots in India during this period.
Zinc Ingot Price Trend Analysis: Q4 2024
In Q4 2024, the zinc ingot market in India showed a steady recovery, marked by a 4.74% price increase amounting to ₹3,643 per metric ton. On the supply side, a reduction in domestic output, reportedly down by over 6% year-on-year, contributed to a tighter market. Meanwhile, demand remained resilient, driven by infrastructure development and industrial activity, especially in sectors like construction and automotive manufacturing.
Globally, supportive economic measures in key markets like China boosted investor confidence, adding to the bullish sentiment in the non-ferrous metals space. Additionally, geopolitical uncertainties and fluctuations in currency exchange rates added pressure on commodity pricing, reinforcing the rise in zinc prices.
This combination of firm demand, constrained supply, and external macroeconomic influences positioned the zinc ingot sector in India for moderate but meaningful gains as the year concluded.