On Tuesday, state-backed research house Antaike reported that the China Zinc Smelters Purchasing Team (CZSPT) has established domestic processing fees for zinc concentrate within the range of 2,000 yuan ($281.57) per metric ton to 2,500 yuan per ton for the first quarter of 2025.
Moreover, the group has also set processing fees for imported cargoes at $10 – $30 per dry ton. Antaike further stated that the group discussed ways to “strengthen industry self-discipline” in an environment where “zinc smelting and processing fees continue to seriously deviate from costs”.
Back in August, according to a previous report from Antaike, major Chinese zinc smelters reached an agreement at a meeting. They decided to adjust the planned maintenance of production lines and postpone the commissioning of new capacity. This was due to the fact that falling ore processing prices, caused by tight ore supply, were eating into the sector’s profits.
They had also deliberated on the possibility of establishing a floor pricing mechanism for zinc concentrate treatment charges.
China Zinc Smelter Group Determines Processing Fees for Q1 2025 Amid Industry Considerations