The world lead zinc market will record a supply deficit of just under 40,000 tonnes this year, the International Lead and Zinc Study Group (ILZSG) said on Tuesday. Global demand for zinc would rise by 4 percent to 11.45 million tonnes, while refined production would increase by 6.9 percent to 11.40 million.
The ILZSG said in a press release after its spring meeting of its Standing Committee in Lisbon on Monday. The increase in demand would by driven mainly by growth in Asia, with Chinese demand expected to jump by a further 8.4 percent, mainly as a result of further expansion in the galvanised sheet sector.
Refined production in China, where capacity has been expanding rapidly in recent years, was seen rising by 14.7 percent this year. World zinc mine output would rise by 9.4 percent to 11.35 million tonnes in 2007, the ILZSG said.