Australia: Zinc Market 2024

Zinc Market Size in Australia

In 2022, the Australian zinc market increased by 28% to $X, rising for the fifth year in a row after three years of decline. In general, consumption recorded a remarkable increase. Zinc consumption peaked in 2022 and is likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

Zinc Production in Australia

In value terms, zinc production reached $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +1.5% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when the production volume increased by 32%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

Zinc Exports

Exports from Australia

In 2022, approx. X tons of zinc, unwrought (not alloyed) were exported from Australia; waning by -23.9% against the previous year's figure. In general, exports continue to indicate a deep slump. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 9.3%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, zinc exports stood at $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 60%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

The United States (X tons) was the main destination for zinc exports from Australia, with a 42% share of total exports. Moreover, zinc exports to the United States exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Taiwan (Chinese) (X tons), threefold. Thailand (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 9.2% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to the United States totaled -3.9%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Taiwan (Chinese) (+1.0% per year) and Thailand (+11.5% per year).

In value terms, the United States ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for zinc, unwrought (not alloyed) exports from Australia, comprising 43% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Taiwan (Chinese) ($X), with a 14% share of total exports. It was followed by Thailand, with a 9.1% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to the United States totaled +2.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Taiwan (Chinese) (+7.3% per year) and Thailand (+18.3% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average zinc export price amounted to $X per ton, rising by 36% against the previous year. Overall, export price indicated a remarkable increase from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +6.3% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, zinc export price increased by +67.9% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when the average export price increased by 46%. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs in 2022 and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied noticeably for the major export markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the highest price was recorded for prices to Bangladesh ($X per ton) and the United States ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Belgium ($X per ton) and China ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to the United States (+6.6%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Zinc Imports

Imports into Australia

In 2022, the amount of zinc, unwrought (not alloyed) imported into Australia skyrocketed to X tons, growing by 322% on the previous year. Over the period under review, imports, however, recorded a abrupt downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when imports increased by 1,509% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, zinc imports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Overall, imports, however, saw a slight reduction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 with an increase of 1,082%. Imports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, the Netherlands (X tons) constituted the largest zinc supplier to Australia, with a 49% share of total imports. Moreover, zinc imports from the Netherlands exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Belgium (X tons), twofold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Peru (X tons), with a 14% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from the Netherlands amounted to +28.4%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Belgium (-13.1% per year) and Peru (+50.4% per year).

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) constituted the largest supplier of zinc, unwrought (not alloyed) to Australia, comprising 50% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Belgium ($X), with a 22% share of total imports. It was followed by Peru, with a 16% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from the Netherlands stood at +43.4%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Belgium (-6.7% per year) and Peru (+77.5% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average zinc import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, increasing by 11% against the previous year. In general, the import price continues to indicate a strong increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when the average import price increased by 126%. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Peru ($X per ton), while the price for Norway ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Peru (+18.0%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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