SMM, February 28:
This week, the operating rate of die-casting zinc alloy recorded 56.99%, up 2.21 percentage points WoW. Raw material side, the decline in zinc prices this week provided an opportunity for downstream restocking, leading to an increase in raw material inventories. Finished product side, due to good shipments this week and some enterprises still delivering unfinished orders, finished product inventories decreased. The rise in the operating rate of die-casting zinc alloy was driven by two factors: the relatively low zinc prices during the week improved end-user orders, and some end-user enterprises recently resumed production, creating restocking demand. In terms of actual orders, the apparel accessories and hardware sanitary ware sectors showed slight improvement recently. However, for export orders, downstream enterprises remained cautious about future orders due to ongoing tariff disturbances, and the actual performance of export orders was overall satisfactory. Other sectors saw relatively small changes in orders. Currently, some enterprises still hold certain expectations for future consumption. As downstream consumption gradually improves, the operating rate of die-casting zinc alloy is expected to continue to rise slightly, with next week's operating rate projected to reach 58.84%.
