Brokerage & Commodities

Zinc: Technical Data Sheet & Sourcing

Access international specifications for zinc (SHG 99.995% Ingots, ZAMAK Alloys, Ore Concentrates) and facilitate connections between smelters, global traders, and galvanizing industries.

Contract Types

Spot Delivery, Annual Master Agreements & LME / SHFE Warrants
Purity & Standards

Special High Grade SHG 99.995% Min. (ASTM B6 / EN 1179 Z1)
Main Hubs

Antwerp, Rotterdam, Singapore, Shanghai (SHFE), New Orleans

Definition & Standards

What is Zinc Metal?

The Zinc is the fourth most consumed metal in the world after iron, aluminum, and copper. Mainly used for steel corrosion protection (batch hot-dip and electro-galvanizing), it plays a crucial role in construction, automotive, and infrastructure sectors.

The global exchange benchmark is Special High Grade (SHG) zinc with a minimum purity of 99.995%. It also serves as the base for brass manufacturing (copper-zinc alloy), die-casting alloys (ZAMAK), and zinc oxides (chemicals and tires).

Technical Specifications SHG (Special High Grade 99.995%)

Zinc Content (Zn)99.995% Minimum (ASTM B6 / EN 1179 Z1)

Lead (Pb)0.003% Max.

Cadmium (Cd)0.003% Max.

Iron (Fe)0.002% Max.

Tin (Sn)0.001% Max.

Standard PackagingIngots ~25 kg strapped (1 ton bundles) or Jumbo ~1 ton

Global Market

Major Producing Countries & Supply

The zinc value chain spans from mining extraction of concentrates (sphalerite/blende) to electrolytic refining:

China: World's leading zinc miner and refiner, absorbing a major portion of global demand for construction and steel.
Peru & Australia: Second and third largest global exporters of high-quality zinc concentrates for international smelters.
India & North India: Major player via Hindustan Zinc, one of the world's largest integrated producers.
Europe & Canada: Strategic producers of low-carbon refined zinc (Glencore, Nyrstar, Teck) recognized for consistent deliveries.

Procedures & Logistics

Market Quotes, Premiums & Logistics

Zinc trading relies on the interaction between official market prices and treatment charges (TC/RC):

LME/SHFE Quotes & Premiums

Traded on the London Metal Exchange (LME) and Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE). Physical deliveries include regional premiums (e.g., CIF Antwerp/Rotterdam Premium).