- LME zinc prices climb, lifting domestic sentiment
- Steady procurement supports zinc oxide prices
India’s zinc scrap and dross market witnessed an upward movement this week, with prices strengthening on sustained demand from local processors. BigMint assessed zinc diecast scrap (Middle East origin) at $2,420/tonne (t) CFR west coast India, up by $30/t w-o-w, amid steady inquiry levels.
Zinc dross was assessed at INR 249,000/t ex-Delhi, up by INR 8,000/t w-o-w, marking a five-month high since BigMint’s assessments began. In Mumbai, prices also strengthened to INR 242,000/t ex-works, supported by ongoing demand from local processors.
At the time of reporting, London Metal Exchange (LME) zinc prices stood at $3,054/t, up by $44/t from $3,010/t last week.
According to traders, zinc oxide (99% Zn) prices rose by INR 5,000/t to INR 235,000/t ex-Delhi, as procurement from ceramics, rubber, and fertiliser sectors gained momentum.
In north India, big-sized zinc scrap (Tukdi, 97% Zn) was offered at around INR 250,000-251,000/t ex-Delhi, while mid-sized Tukdi (97-98% Zn) held at INR 240,00o-242,000/t. Actual buying interest for mid-sized Tukdi was mostly heard around INR 238,000/t, reflecting resistance to higher offers.
Tata Steel to auction zinc dross
Tata Steel will auction 25 t of zinc dross from Jamshedpur on 31 October 2025 via a rank-based dynamic seal bid system. The material will be sold on an “as-is” basis, with GST and applicable taxes extra.
Outlook
Zinc scrap and dross prices are expected to remain firm in the near term, supported by strong local demand and steady end-user procurement. However, buyers’ resistance to elevated offers could limit further upside. LME trends and domestic auction results will continue to influence market direction in the coming weeks.
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