EU: Zinc Market 2024

Zinc Market Size in the EU

In 2022, the EU zinc market increased by 23% to $X, rising for the second consecutive year after three years of decline. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +3.6% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, consumption attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Zinc Production in the EU

In value terms, zinc production rose markedly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 28%. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2018 to 2022, production growth failed to regain momentum.

Zinc Exports

Exports in the EU

In 2022, after three years of growth, there was significant decline in shipments abroad of zinc, unwrought (not alloyed), when their volume decreased by -26.9% to X tons. In general, exports showed a slight curtailment. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 with an increase of 32%. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2021, and then reduced dramatically in the following year.

In value terms, zinc exports fell sharply to $X in 2022. Total exports indicated a noticeable increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.5% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +86.1% against 2016 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 43% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X in 2021, and then dropped sharply in the following year.

Exports by Country

The Netherlands (X tons), Finland (X tons) and Spain (X tons) represented roughly 71% of total exports in 2022. It was distantly followed by Poland (X tons), Bulgaria (X tons), Germany (X tons), France (X tons) and Belgium (X tons), together creating a 26% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for the Netherlands (with a CAGR of +6.1%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X), Finland ($X) and Spain ($X) constituted the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2022, together comprising 68% of total exports.

The Netherlands, with a CAGR of +12.0%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, in terms of the main exporting countries over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in the European Union amounted to $X per ton, surging by 13% against the previous year. Export price indicated a remarkable increase from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +5.2% 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 +42.1% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the export price increased by 33%. Over the period under review, the export prices hit record highs in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, major exporting countries recorded the following prices: in Germany ($X per ton) and Bulgaria ($X per ton), while Finland ($X per ton) and Spain ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Poland (+6.3%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Zinc Imports

Imports in the EU

After three years of growth, overseas purchases of zinc, unwrought (not alloyed) decreased by -8% to X tons in 2022. In general, imports showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 with an increase of 14%. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2015 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, zinc imports stood at $X in 2022. Total imports indicated buoyant growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.3% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, imports increased by +50.2% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 39%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

Imports by Country

In 2022, the Netherlands (X tons), Germany (X tons) and Italy (X tons) represented the largest importer of zinc, unwrought (not alloyed) in the European Union, making up 60% of total import. Belgium (X tons) ranks next in terms of the total imports with an 8.2% share, followed by France (8.2%) and Austria (5.1%). Slovakia (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Slovakia (with a CAGR of +7.2%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest zinc importing markets in the European Union were Germany ($X), the Netherlands ($X) and Italy ($X), together accounting for 60% of total imports. France, Belgium, Austria and Slovakia lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 25%.

Slovakia, with a CAGR of +11.3%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, among the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in the European Union stood at $X per ton in 2022, growing by 24% against the previous year. Import price indicated a prominent expansion from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +6.2% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, zinc import price increased by +55.1% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when the import price increased by 36%. Over the period under review, import prices attained the maximum in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, major importing countries recorded the following prices: in Germany ($X per ton) and Austria ($X per ton), while Slovakia ($X per ton) and the Netherlands ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Belgium (+6.7%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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