Zinc decreased 22.57 USD/MT or 0.76% since the beginning of 2025, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Zinc - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on March of 2025.

Global Zinc Market to hit USD 41.76B by 2029 growing at 7.6% CAGR. Explore trends, drivers, and competition for strategic insights with The Business Research Company.

Lead and Zinc Market size was valued at USD 27.35 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 39.53 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.20% from 2024 to 2031.

Lead and Zinc Market Drivers

“Growth in End-Use Sectors:

Urbanization and Infrastructure Development: The rising global demand for new buildings, roads, and infrastructure fuels the demand for lead-acid batteries used in construction equipment and galvanized steel for building materials.

Automotive Industry: Lead is still used in some automotive applications like starter batteries and wheel weights, while zinc finds use in corrosion protection and component manufacturing.

Electrical and Electronics: Zinc plays a crucial role in electrical applications like coatings for wires and connectors, while lead finds limited use in some electronic components.

Consumer Goods: Zinc is a vital component in die-casting for various consumer goods like appliances and hardware, while lead usage in some products is being phased out due to environmental concerns.

Irreplaceable Properties and Cost-Effectiveness:

Unique Properties of Lead: Lead-acid batteries offer a reliable and cost-effective energy storage solution for vehicles and off-grid applications due to their high power density and durability.

Versatility of Zinc: Zinc’s corrosion resistance, formability, and strength make it a valuable material for various applications across different industries.

Cost-Competitive Edge: Lead and zinc often provide cost-effective solutions compared to alternative materials in many applications, ensuring their continued market relevance.

Technological Advancements and Recycling:

Battery Technology Improvements: Advancements in lead-acid battery technology are enhancing their efficiency, lifespan, and recyclability, promoting their continued use.

Zinc-Based Alloys and Composites: Development of new zinc-based alloys and composites with improved properties could expand their application range in various sectors.

Focus on Sustainability: Increased focus on recycling and resource efficiency is leading to advancements in lead and zinc recycling technologies, promoting a more sustainable market.

Additional Market Drivers:

Growing Demand in Developing Economies: Rapid industrialization and infrastructure development in emerging economies create new market opportunities for lead and zinc.

Limited Substitute Availability: For many applications, lead and zinc offer unique properties that are difficult or expensive to replicate with readily available substitutes.

Government Regulations and Policies: Government regulations promoting energy efficiency and battery recycling can indirectly drive the lead-acid battery market.

While the Lead and Zinc Market presents growth opportunities, some challenges require attention:

Environmental Concerns: Lead exposure can have negative health impacts, and stricter environmental regulations on lead use and disposal pose challenges for the market.

Lead Phasedown in Certain Products: The phasing out of lead in some products like paints and gasoline due to environmental concerns can limit its market potential in those sectors.

Price Fluctuations: The Lead and Zinc Market can be susceptible to fluctuations in raw material prices and global economic conditions.

In 2023, the average price for zinc stood at 3,653 nominal U.S. dollars per metric ton. This statistic depicts the average annual prices for zinc from 2014 to 2023, with forecast figures for 2024 through 2026.

The U.S. zinc market shrank slightly to $4B in 2023, with a decrease of -4.3% against the previous year. Overall, the total consumption indicated perceptible growth from 2012 to 2023: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.4% over the last eleven-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2023 figures, consumption increased by +18.2% against 2021 indices.

The global zinc market is anticipated to reach a value of XX million by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 1.50% during the forecast period (2025-2033). The rising demand for zinc in various industries, including construction, automotive, and electrical and electronics, is expected to drive market growth over the coming years. Additionally, increasing urbanization, particularly in developing regions, is contributing to the demand for zinc-coated steel in construction, which is further fueling market expansion. Key market trends include the growing prevalence of electric vehicles, which utilize significantly more zinc than conventional vehicles, as well as the increasing adoption of energy-efficient lighting solutions, which often incorporate zinc-based materials. However, fluctuating zinc prices and the emergence of substitutes for zinc in certain applications may pose challenges to market growth. The market is dominated by a few major players, including Boliden Group, Glencore, Grupo Mexico, and Hindustan Zinc, among others. Asia Pacific is the largest regional market for zinc, followed by Europe and North America. China is the largest consumer of zinc, accounting for a significant share of the global market. Recent developments include: April 2022: Nyrstar Australia announced intentions to invest USD 285 million in the construction of a new electrolysis facility at its Hobart Zinc Works operations in Tasmania., September 2022: Agnico Eagle Mines agreed to purchase a 50% stake in Minas de San Nicolás (MSN), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Teck Resources that owns the San Nicolás copper-zinc development project in Zacatecas, Mexico.. Key drivers for this market are: Growing Demand From the Construction and Electronics Industry, Increasing Usage in the Automotive Industry. Potential restraints include: Growing Demand From the Construction and Electronics Industry, Increasing Usage in the Automotive Industry. Notable trends are: Construction Industry to Dominate the Market.

Learn about the expected growth in the global market for unwrought zinc over the next decade, driven by increasing demand worldwide.

The global zinc demand for renewable energy technologies is forecast to continuously increase during the next decade, from 109,300 metric tons in 2020 to 364,000 in 2030. Solar energy is expected to account for the largest share of this zinc consumption, with a forecast volume of 162,000 metric tons in 2030.

In 2023, approximately 13.66 million metric tons of refined zinc was consumed worldwide. Global zinc production Zinc is a base metal processed from zinc ore. It releases sulfuric acid during the production process, which is used in a wide range of industries, from pharmaceuticals to bleaching paper. The production of final zinc metal is a complex process involving various stages with the end goal of separating the pure zinc from the zinc ore. While difficult, the highly lucrative nature of zinc production attracts large multinational firms to compete in the zinc market. Since 2005, the global production of zinc metal has increased, reaching over 13.33 million metric tons in 2022. During 2021, China, Peru, and Australia were the leading three countries for zinc mine production, with around 7.1 million metric tons of combined production. After a decline over the past few years, the zinc production volume in China has grown between 2020 and 2021. Zinc consumption As a valuable metal, zinc is used in galvanizing, zinc alloying, brass, bronze, and more. Globally, galvanizing is the most major end-use of zinc, accounting for more than half of the market. Between 2018 and 2022, the global consumption of refined zinc remained relatively stable, reaching a high of 14 million tons in 2021 and decreasing to 13.5 million tons the following year. A drop in metal demand in 2020 led to these figures falling to 13.29 million tons. Globally, the total zinc production exceeded the total zinc demand over this period.

Zinc Recycling Market size was valued at USD 2.5 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 4.2 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecasted period 2024 to 2031.
Global Zinc Recycling Market Drivers
The market drivers for the Zinc Recycling Market can be influenced by various factors. These may include:

• Environmental Regulations: Increasing government regulations on waste management and recycling encourage the adoption of zinc recycling to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable practices.
• Resource Scarcity: The rising cost and limited availability of natural zinc ores drive the demand for recycled zinc as an alternative source, reducing reliance on primary zinc extraction.

The size and share of the market is categorized based on Type (Public Cloud, Private Cloud, Hybrid Cloud) and Application (Large Enterprise, SMES) and geographical regions (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle-East and Africa).

The zinc market offers a wide range of products, each catering to specific industry needs. Zinc powder, known for its fine texture, is extensively used in paints, coatings, and pigments, enhancing their durability and corrosion resistance. Zinc sheets, with their exceptional strength and corrosion-resistant properties, are primarily employed in roofing, cladding, and other construction applications, ensuring long-lasting protection. Zinc oxide, a highly versatile compound, finds applications in rubber, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products, contributing to their performance and safety. Recent developments include: In January 2021, Nystar, a global leader in zinc production, announced their new project plan to achieve carbon neutrality at its Zinx Smelters by 2050., In April 2023, EverZinc, a leading global producer of zinc chemicals, announced the expansion of its production capacity to meet the growing demand for zinc chemicals in various industries. . Key drivers for this market are: Growing demand for zinc in construction, transportation, and consumer goods. Increasing urbanization and industrialization in emerging economies. Rising awareness about zinc's health benefits.. Potential restraints include: Availability of substitutes such as aluminum and magnesium. Environmental regulations on mining and smelting operations. Cyclical nature of the construction industry.. Notable trends are: Increasing demand for zinc in electric vehicles. Development of new zinc alloys with improved properties. Innovations in zinc recycling and recovery technologies..

Forecast: Unwrought Zinc Market Size Volume in Germany 2022 - 2026 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

The report covers Zinc Chloride Manufacturers and it is Segmented by Application (Water Treatment, Catalyst, and Other Applications), End-user Industry (Chemicals, Oil and Gas, Textile, Metallurgy, and Other End-user Industries), and Geography (Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, South America, and the Middle East & Africa).

The ASEAN zinc market expanded rapidly to $4.3B in 2023, with an increase of 10% against the previous year. The total consumption indicated strong growth from 2012 to 2023: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.7% over the last eleven-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2023 figures, consumption increased by +42.1% against 2019 indices.

In 2023, the global mine production of zinc amounted to some 12.26 million metric tons, while the metal production of refined zinc amounted to 13.86 million metric tons. The global metal usage of refined zinc in that year came to some 13.66 million metric tons.

Zinc Ore Market size is growing at a moderate pace with substantial growth rates over the last few years and is estimated that the market will grow significantly in the forecasted period i.e. 2024 to 2031.

Global Zinc Ore Market Drivers

The market drivers for the Zinc Ore Market can be influenced by various factors. These may include:

Industrial Development and Growth: Zinc is an essential metal utilized in many industrial processes, such as building, transportation, electrical machinery, and infrastructure development. The need for zinc ore as a raw material for the production of zinc metal and alloys is driven by the expansion of these industries.

Growing End-utilize Industry Demand: The steel, consumer products, automotive, and construction industries are among the industries that utilize zinc extensively. Zinc ore consumption is driven by the growing need for galvanized steel, which is coated with zinc to withstand corrosion. Zinc is also utilized in the manufacturing of chemicals, batteries, and medications, all of which fuel market expansion.

Urbanization and Construction Activities: The demand for items containing zinc, such as galvanized steel, zinc coatings, and zinc alloys, is driven by the rapid urbanization and infrastructure development projects, especially in emerging economies. The need for zinc ore is increased by construction activities, which include residential, commercial, and industrial developments.

Growth of the Automotive Industry: Zinc is extensively utilized by the automotive industry to galvanize steel, which is employed in the manufacturing of vehicles. Zinc ore is becoming more and more in demand as the automotive industry grows internationally due to factors such rising car sales, infrastructural development, and government policies supporting electric vehicles.

Production of Steel and Galvanization: Steel is galvanized to prevent corrosion, and zinc is a vital component in this process. The need for zinc ore for galvanization is boosted by the expansion of the steel industry, which is fueled by projects related to manufacturing, infrastructure, and building.

Technological Developments in Mining: The productivity and efficiency of zinc ore mining operations are improved by ongoing developments in mining technology, such as automation, remote sensing, and drilling techniques. Better mining techniques provide higher output and expanding markets.

Geopolitical Factors and Supply Chain Risks: The availability and cost of zinc ore can be impacted by trade disputes, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain disruptions in important zinc-producing locations. Investment choices and market dynamics are influenced by geopolitical threats and market uncertainty.

Environmental Regulations and Sustainability Initiatives: Zinc ore mining activities are subject to environmental regulations that are designed to minimize environmental effect, promote sustainable mining methods, and reduce emissions. Sustaining market access and satisfying customer demands require adherence to environmental regulations and sustainability programs.

Applications in Healthcare and Pharma: Zinc is a component of several pharmaceutical and healthcare goods, such as topical ointments, vitamins, and dietary supplements. The demand for zinc ore in pharmaceutical applications is driven by rising awareness of zinc’s health benefits and role in immune function.

Investment in Renewable Energy and Infrastructure: Demand for zinc-containing items, such as solar panels, zinc-air batteries, and galvanized steel, is driven by government spending on renewable energy development, infrastructure projects, and the production of electric vehicles. Producers of zinc ore have potential as a result of these investments.

Forecast: Unwrought Zinc Market Size Value in the UK 2022 - 2026 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

PCA Zinc Market is projected to reach USD 411.3 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.59% from 2025-2033.

As per Cognitive Market Research's latest published report, the Global Zinc market size was $60.48 billion in 2022 and it is forecasted to reach $86.58 Billion by 2030. Zinc Industry's Compound Annual Growth Rate will be 4.4% from 2023 to 2030. Factors Impacting on Zinc Market

Rising economic and industrial growth boost the demand for Zinc market

Zinc is widely used in construction, infrastructure, and automotive industries, all of which are closely linked to economic growth. As global economies expand, demand zinc increases, driving up prices. Zinc is also a key component in the production of galvanized steel, which is used in a variety of industrial applications. As industrial production increases, the demand for zinc also rises.

Price volatility acts as a restraint of the Zinc market

The price of zinc is subject to significant volatility due to factors such as supply disruptions, changes in demand, and speculation in commodity markets. This can make it difficult for producers and consumers to plan for the future and can lead to significant price fluctuations.

The rising adoption of infrastructure development will drive the Zinc market growth

Zinc is a key component in galvanized steel, which is widely used in infrastructure projects such as bridges, highways, and buildings. As countries around the world invest in infrastructure, the demand for zinc is likely to increase. What is Zinc?

Zinc is a chemical element with the symbol Zn and atomic number 30. It is a bluish-white, lustrous metal that is moderately reactive and has a low melting point. Zinc is the 24th most abundant element in the Earth's crust and is widely used in various industries, including construction, automotive, and electronics.