- Demand from local processors sustains zinc dross tags
- Stable supply keeps price movements in a narrow band
India’s zinc scrap and dross market showed mixed trends w-o-w in a narrow range amid steady inquiries and firm supply, which limited significant price movements. BigMint assessed zinc diecast scrap (Middle East origin) at $2,355/tonne (t) CFR west coast India, up by $45/t w-o-w.
At the time of reporting, London Metal Exchange (LME) zinc prices stood at $2,932/t, up by $59/t from $2,873/t last week.
Zinc dross was assessed at INR 233,000/t ex-Delhi, down by INR 3,000/t w-o-w, as per BigMint’s latest assessment. In Mumbai, prices were relatively firm at INR 228,000/t ex-works, reflecting localised stability in trade. Overall, demand was stable from local processors.
According to another trader, the zinc oxide (99% Zn) segment saw a slight downward movement, with offers heard in the INR 221,000/t ex-Delhi range. Prices declined by INR 2,000/t, driven by reduced procurement from end-user sectors such as ceramics, rubber, and fertiliser manufacturing.
In north India, big-sized zinc scrap (Tukdi, 97% Zn) was offered at around INR 236,000/t ex-Delhi, while mid-sized Tukdi (97-98% Zn) held steady at INR 222,000/t. However, actual buying interest for mid-sized Tukdi was mostly heard in the INR 220,000/t range, indicating resistance from buyers to elevated offers.
Tata Steel’s zinc-related e-auctions
Several zinc scrap auctions are scheduled for 25 September 2025:
- Tata Steel IBMD will conduct an e-auction for 6-t zinc dust and 25-t zinc ash from EPA Shiv Sambhu, Dhanbad.
- Tata Steel IBMD will also auction 25 t of zinc dross (upper) from Sahibabad via mjunction. The auction starts at 1:00 PM in an English No Ties format.
Netherlands leads India’s scrap imports in Jan-Aug’25
The Netherlands emerged as India’s largest zinc scrap supplier in January-August 2025, contributing 9,917 t and surpassing the United States, which supplied 7,874 t. Other prominent suppliers included Saudi Arabia (5,203 t), Germany (4,610 t), and the United Arab Emirates (4,042 t). Additional inflows came from Malaysia, Thailand, Belgium, Italy, and Nigeria, creating a concentrated top-10 supplier group that accounted collectively for the majority of zinc scrap imports. The Netherlands and the US together accounted for over 25% of arrivals, while European and Gulf nations provided substantial shares, ensuring diversified sourcing.
Outlook
Zinc scrap and dross prices are expected to remain range-bound in the near term. Firm consumption from local processors is providing support, while subdued demand from zinc oxide users and ample material availability may cap further gains. Global cues from LME trends and trade flows will play a critical role in guiding market sentiment in the coming weeks.
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