ILZSG predicts nearly 4 percent growth in global zinc demand in 2015

The latest press release from the International Lead and Zinc Research Group (ILZSG) highlights current trends in global supply and demand for refined zinc and sets outlook for 2015.

Global production of zinc mines will see an increase of 3.7 percent to 13.84 million tonnes in 2015. The drop in production in Ireland due to the closure of the Lisheen mine will be partially offset by increased productivity from mines in other zinc producing countries such as the Russian Federation, Spain and Sweden.

ILZSG predicts 3.7 percent growth in global zinc use. World zinc consumption is expected to reach 14.14 million tonnes in 2015. Chinese demand is projected to increase by only 4.8 percent over the course of the year. Zinc use will grow 2.4 percent in Europe and 6.0 percent in the United States. The group also predicts increased demand for refined zinc in other countries such as Canada, India, Indonesia, Mexico and Turkey.

ILZSG projects a 5.2 percent increase in global zinc production in 2015 to 13.99 million tonnes. An increase in production is expected in the European region, and especially in countries such as Brazil, India, Mexico, South Korea and Thailand. Production growth is also expected in China and the United States.

According to the latest data provided by the member countries of the ILZSG association, the global demand for refined zinc is expected to exceed supply by 151 thousand tons in 2015.