What this market covers
Unwrought non-alloyed zinc below the highest purity grade.
Typical segments
- Prime western zinc
- Good ordinary zinc
- Ingots
- Slabs
Why this market is moving now
- World trade shrank 6% from 2019 to 2024, a direct read on cross-border demand.
- The Netherlands is gaining ground: its exports rose 32% from 2019 to 2024, the fastest among the ten largest exporters.
Key figures
Global figures for this market, with the year each one describes. Use Cite to copy a reference to this page.
| Figure | Value | Year | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| World exports of standard-grade zinc (HS 790112) were worth $3.39 billion in 2024. | 3.39 USD billion | 2024 | |
| World exports were 6% lower in 2024 than in 2019 ($3.62 billion), calculated from the annual totals. | -6 % since 2019 | 2024 | |
| Canada was the largest exporter in 2024, with 17% of world exports ($580.0 million). | 17 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The three largest exporters, Canada, Iran and Peru, shipped 37% of world exports in 2024. | 37 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The United States was the largest importer in 2024, buying $767.8 million, or 23% of world imports. | 23 % of world imports | 2024 | |
| 37 countries exported more than $1 million of this product in 2024. | 37 countries | 2024 | |
| The average world export price was about $2.94 per kilogram in 2024, calculated from value and weight. | 2.94 USD per kg | 2024 | |
| Countries exported 1.15 million tonnes of this product in 2024. | 1.15 million tonnes | 2024 | |
| Among the ten largest exporters, the Netherlands grew fastest, with exports up 32% from 2019 to 2024. | +32 % since 2019 | 2024 |
Calculated figures (shares, changes and prices per kilogram) are plain arithmetic on the reported values. Read how we work.
Buyers and suppliers
Who buys
- Galvanizers
- Brass makers
- Metal traders
Largest exporting countries, 2024
Largest importing countries, 2024
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the global market - 03Global market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Countries and regions
Demand, supply and trade by country and region - 05Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 06Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 07Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 08Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 09Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 10Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 11Method and assumptions
How every figure was built
Included with the full report
- PDF report, 40 to 60 pages
- Excel data pack
- Ready-to-use charts
- Method note and assumptions
- Written to order in 5 working days
Frequently asked questions
How big is the global standard-grade zinc market?
There is no single official market total. World exports of HS 790112 reached $3.39 billion in 2024, a direct measure of cross-border trade.
Which countries export the most standard-grade zinc?
Canada led world exports in 2024 with 17% of the total, followed by Iran, Peru and South Korea.
Which countries import the most standard-grade zinc?
The United States was the largest importer in 2024, followed by Turkey, Vietnam and Germany.
Is world trade in standard-grade zinc growing?
World exports were 6% lower in 2024 than in 2019.
What is the average export price of standard-grade zinc?
Dividing world export value by weight gives about $2.94 per kilogram in 2024.
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