India: Zinc scrap, dross prices trend down w-o-w amid limited demand

• Zinc oxide prices fall on muted end-user demand
• Netherlands emerges as leading zinc scrap exporter

India’s zinc scrap and dross market witnessed a downtrend this week, with prices moving lower in a narrow band. BigMint assessed zinc diecast scrap (Middle East origin) at $2,275/tonne (t) CFR west coast India, down by $5/t from the previous week, amid cautious procurement.

At the time of reporting, London Metal Exchange (LME) zinc prices stood at $2,783/t, down by $48/t from $2,831/t last week.

Zinc dross was assessed at INR 224,500/t ex-Delhi, down by INR 1,500/t w-o-w, as per BigMint’s latest assessment. In Mumbai, prices were relatively steady at INR 221,000/t ex-works, reflecting localised stability in trade.

According to another trader, the zinc oxide (99% Zn) segment saw a slight downward movement, with prices heard in the INR 217,000/t ex-Delhi range. Offers declined by INR 2,000/t, driven by reduced procurement from end-user sectors such as ceramics, rubber, and fertilizer manufacturing.

In north India, big-sized zinc scrap (Tukdi, 97% Zn) was offered at around INR 222,000/t ex-Delhi, while mid-sized Tukdi (97-98% Zn) held steady at INR 210,000/t. However, actual buying interest for mid-sized Tukdi was mostly heard in the INR 208,000/t range, indicating resistance from buyers to elevated offers.

Prompt Enterprises to auction 20-t zinc dross

Prompt Enterprises Pvt. Ltd., in association with mjunction services, will auction 20 t of zinc dross (13 t Galume Dross Top and 7 t Galume Dross Bottom) from its Dhatir, Palwal facility. The e-auction, set for 25 August 2025, will be conducted on an “as is where is” basis, with inspection available before bidding.

Netherlands leads India’s scrap imports in Jul’25

In July 2025, the Netherlands continued as the top zinc scrap exporter to India, shipping 1,435 t, though slightly lower than June. The US ranked second with 985 t, also showing a decline. Germany maintained strong flows at 926 t, while Saudi Arabia’s volumes slipped to 576 t. The UAE shipped 358 t, reflecting continued moderation. Overall, July 2025 saw softer inflows compared to June highs.

Outlook

Zinc scrap and dross prices are expected to remain range-bound in the near term. While selective buying will provide some support, weak galvanising activity and sluggish demand from zinc oxide consumers will keep market sentiment cautious. Traders expect meaningful demand recovery only post-monsoon, once infrastructure and industrial activity gains pace.