Zinc exports had halved in June from a year earlier.

Exports have been hit by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, which shut nearly 65 percent of the country's production capacity for zinc. Zinc is used in automotive steel sheet and construction materials.

Japan's top zinc smelter Mitsui Mining and Smelting Co resumed operations at its Hachinohe zinc smelter in early June, which had been shut since the quake for restoration and maintenance. The company has said it plans to produce 15.9 percent less zinc in the April-September first half than in the same period a year earlier.

Taiwan remained the biggest market for Japan's refined zinc in July, accounting for 27 percent of demand, down from 31 percent in June. Indonesia accounted for 26 percent, down from 28 percent in June. China's share was steady at 6 percent.

Zinc is mainly used as an anti-corrosive coating in galvanized steel production and in plating.

Copyright Reuters, 2011