Australia: Market for Zinc Ores And Concentrates 2024

Market Size for Zinc Ores And Concentrates in Australia

In 2021, the Australian zinc ores and concentrates market increased by 9.8% to $X for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year declining trend. Overall, consumption recorded a resilient increase. Zinc ores and concentrates consumption peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Production of Zinc Ores And Concentrates in Australia

In value terms, zinc ores and concentrates production amounted to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the production volume increased by 27% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports of Zinc Ores And Concentrates

Exports from Australia

In 2021, shipments abroad of zinc ores and concentrates decreased by -6% to X tons, falling for the second year in a row after three years of growth. In general, exports recorded a perceptible decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when exports increased by 17%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, zinc ores and concentrates exports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, total exports indicated a perceptible increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.0% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 54% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs in 2021 and are likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

China (X tons), South Korea (X tons) and Japan (X tons) were the main destinations of zinc ores and concentrates exports from Australia, together accounting for 84% of total exports. Spain, Canada, Germany and Poland lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 15%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Canada (with a CAGR of +8.1%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for zinc ores and concentrates exported from Australia were China ($X), South Korea ($X) and Japan ($X), with a combined 85% share of total exports. These countries were followed by Spain, Canada, Germany and Poland, which together accounted for a further 14%.

In terms of the main countries of destination, Canada, with a CAGR of +14.9%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average zinc ores and concentrates export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 53% against the previous year. In general, export price indicated a strong expansion from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +6.2% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the average export price increased by 53% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied noticeably for the major foreign markets. In 2021, the countries with the highest prices were Japan ($X per ton) and China ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Germany ($X per ton) and Canada ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to South Korea (+7.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Zinc Ores And Concentrates

Imports into Australia

In 2021, the amount of zinc ores and concentrates imported into Australia declined to X tons, waning by -13.7% against 2020 figures. Over the period under review, imports, however, recorded a notable expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when imports increased by 96% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, zinc ores and concentrates imports surged to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, showed buoyant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when imports increased by 110%. Imports peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

The United States (X tons), Chile (X tons) and Mexico (X tons) were the main suppliers of zinc ores and concentrates imports to Australia, with a combined 89% share of total imports. These countries were followed by South Africa, Honduras, Peru and South Korea, which together accounted for a further 11%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were in South Korea (with a CAGR of +59.2%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United States ($X), Chile ($X) and Mexico ($X) constituted the largest zinc ores and concentrates suppliers to Australia, together comprising 88% of total imports. These countries were followed by South Africa, Peru, Honduras and South Korea, which together accounted for a further 12%.

Among the main suppliers, South Korea, with a CAGR of +76.8%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average zinc ores and concentrates import price amounted to $X per ton, rising by 69% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price recorded a strong expansion. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was South Africa ($X per ton), while the price for Honduras ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Africa (+17.8%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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