adminZinc oxide is an important chemical compound that is useful in various global industries. Including the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, rubber, ceramics, and coating industries. Because of its very strategic role in the industrial supply chain, fluctuations in zinc oxide prices are a major concern for business people and investors. This article will discuss price trends in leading countries, as well as the factors that influence these price changes.
Zinc Oxide Price in Leading Countries in the World
Here are some of the countries that lead the production and consumption of zinc oxide.
North America
In the first quarter of 2025, the price of zinc oxide in North America was recorded to have decreased by 2.7% compared to the previous year in 2024. At the beginning of the quarter, the price itself tended to fall due to the emergence of falling zinc ingot costs, thus reducing production costs.
Until the middle of the quarter, the price continued to weaken because the value of zinc ingots continued to fall and buyers began to weaken. Finally, at the end of the quarter, the price stabilized again because raw materials began to rise. However, overall demand remains constrained by poor consumer confidence driven by policy.
Europe
Zinc oxide prices in Europe also experienced a decline. In early to mid-March, prices weakened slightly. This was due to support from falling zinc raw material costs, which could also reduce production costs. Meanwhile, towards the end of the quarter, prices finally increased, but Asian imports and weak industrial demand were able to significantly limit the recovery.
Why Do Zinc Prices Fluctuate?
The factor that influences zinc price fluctuations is the price of its raw materials. This is because zinc oxide comes from zinc metal, so fluctuations in metal prices greatly affect the final price of ZnO products. Production and energy costs are also affected because increases in electricity or fuel rates in related countries also affect zinc prices.
Continuous industrial demand is also another factor. Sectors such as automotive, construction, and cosmetics have had a major impact on global demand. In addition, trade policies and export and import taxes can also significantly change global supply.
China Becomes the Largest Producer and Exporter
China is the largest producer of zinc oxide in the world besides America. The price in this country is quite sensitive to environmental regulations and fluctuations in domestic zinc metal prices. In recent years, it has been noted that China has imposed emission restrictions and production cuts in the mining sector. This has triggered an increase in zinc prices.
Meanwhile, in 2024, prices in China ranged from USD 2,300 – USD 2,700 per metric ton. This again depends on the quality and grade of zinc oxide.
United States Market
While the American market itself ranges from USD 2,900 – USD 3.00 per ton. This zinc oxide price is relatively stable, but expensive because production standards and environmental regulations are quite strict.
