- Zinc oxide prices ease amid weak downstream demand
- Diecast scrap remains stable amid cautious sentiment
India’s zinc scrap and dross market showed a largely stable-to-soft trend in the week ended 20 November, with prices fluctuating within a narrow range. BigMint assessed zinc diecast scrap (Middle East origin) at $2,400/tonne (t) CFR west coast India, stable compared to the previous week, as buyers remained cautious amid limited spot inquiries.
At the time of reporting, London Metal Exchange (LME) zinc prices stood at $2,994/t, down by $88/t from $3,082/t last week.
Zinc dross was assessed at INR 246,300/t ex-Delhi, down by INR 3,200/t w-o-w, as per BigMint’s latest assessment. In Mumbai, prices were relatively steady at INR 241,000/t ex-works, reflecting continued localised stability in trade.
According to another trader, the zinc oxide (99% Zn) segment witnessed a mild decline, with prices heard at around INR 237,300/t ex-Delhi, 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 248,000/t ex-Delhi, down by INR 3,000/t against INR 251,000/t last week, indicating softer sentiment in high-grade scrap.
Netherlands leads India’s scrap imports in Oct’25
In October 2025, the Netherlands remained the top zinc scrap exporter to India, shipping 1,591 t, slightly lower than September’s volumes. The US ranked second with 1,527 t, also recording a dip. Germany maintained firm flows at 821 t, while Thailand’s shipments increased to 771 t. The UAE exported 652 t, reflecting continued moderation in volumes. Overall, October 2025 saw higher inflows compared to September, supported by steady demand from Indian recyclers.
Outlook
Zinc scrap and dross prices are expected to remain range-bound in the near term. Although selective buying interest in diecast and Tukdi scrap may offer some stability, muted galvanising activity and subdued zinc oxide procurement are likely to keep market sentiment cautious. Traders anticipate a clearer price direction once industrial demand improves in the coming weeks.
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