- Market expects buying to pick up towards year-end
- Netherlands stays top zinc scrap exporter in Sep’25
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 $2,390/tonne (t) CFR west coast India, down by $40/t from the previous week, amid cautious procurement.
At the time of reporting, London Metal Exchange (LME) zinc prices stood at $2,949/t, down by $83/t from $3,032/t last week.
Zinc dross was assessed at INR 241,000/t ex-Delhi, down by INR 3,000/t w-o-w, as per BigMint’s latest assessment. In Mumbai, prices were relatively steady at INR 237,000/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 225,000/t ex-Delhi range, 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 247,000/t ex-Delhi, while mid-sized Tukdi (97-98% Zn) held steady at INR 238,000/t. However, actual buying interest for mid-sized Tukdi was mostly heard in the INR 235,000/t range, indicating resistance from buyers to elevated offers.
Tata Steel zinc scrap auction — Oct’25
Tata Steel has scheduled two zinc scrap auctions today at 1:00 PM through mjunction for zinc scrap from the EPA Shiv Sambhu, Dhanbad site. The lots feature 30 t of zinc ash (46SS) and 8 t of zinc dust (91SS).
Additionally, Tata Steel IBMD will auction 25 t of zinc dross from its Jamshedpur CGL via mjunction under a Rank-Based Dynamic Sealbid auction, sold on an as-is-where-is basis.
Netherlands leads India’s scrap imports in Sep’25
In September 2025, the Netherlands remained the largest zinc scrap exporter to India with 1,349 t, sustaining its leadership. The US shipped 719 t, marking a notable drop from previous months. Saudi Arabia sent 570 t, while Germany contributed 525 t and Malaysia 631 t. Import volumes from multiple key suppliers moderated during the month, highlighting a continued trend of softer demand post-monsoon.
Outlook
Zinc scrap and dross prices are likely to remain under mild pressure in the near term as subdued galvanising activity and weak zinc oxide demand limit procurement. Market participants expect improved buying sentiment only towards the year-end, supported by higher infrastructure activity and festive-season industrial restocking.
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