Zinc Price Today
ZNC 0.99% todayJune 10, 2026 · Base unit: metric ton
Live Price
What is Zinc (ZNC)?
Zinc (symbol Zn, ticker ZNC) is a bluish-white metal primarily used for galvanizing steel — coating it with a protective zinc layer to prevent rust and corrosion. It is traded on the London Metal Exchange (LME), priced per metric ton in USD.
China is both the largest zinc producer (~35%) and consumer (~50%) globally, making Chinese industrial data a dominant price driver.
Zinc is directly linked to the global construction and infrastructure cycle — when building activity rises, demand for galvanized steel (and therefore zinc) increases. It is one of the most economically sensitive industrial metals.
- Symbol ZNC
- Base Unit metric ton
- Today Open $3,540.83
- 24h High $3,550.78
- 24h Low $3,470.58
What Factors Affect the Zinc Price?
Understanding key price drivers helps investors, traders and industry professionals make informed decisions.
Galvanized steel is a major construction material. Infrastructure investment, real estate development and building activity are the primary zinc demand drivers globally.
China produces ~35% and consumes ~50% of global zinc. Chinese property sector health, manufacturing PMI and infrastructure spending are key zinc price indicators.
Zinc smelting is energy-intensive. High electricity costs — particularly in Europe — have led to smelter curtailments, reducing supply and supporting prices.
Zinc is dollar-denominated. Dollar strength/weakness affects the purchasing cost for international buyers and overall global price levels.
LME warehouse zinc inventory is closely monitored. Falling inventories signal tightening supply and typically support higher prices, while rising stocks pressure prices lower.
Recycled zinc from galvanized steel scrap and brass contributes significant secondary supply. Higher prices incentivize more scrap collection and recycling.
| From | To | Factor |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Metric Ton | Kilogram (kg) | × 1,000 |
| 1 Metric Ton | Pound (lb) | × 2,204.62 |
| 1 Kilogram | Metric Ton | ÷ 1,000 |
| 1 Pound | Kilogram | × 0.453592 |
Frequently Asked Questions — Zinc Price
Galvanized steel is steel coated with a protective zinc layer to prevent rusting. The zinc acts as a sacrificial anode — it oxidizes slowly instead of the steel underneath. Standard galvanized sheets use 250–900 grams of zinc per square meter depending on coating specification.
Brass is an alloy of copper (~60–70%) and zinc (~30–40%). Zinc prices directly affect brass production costs. When zinc rises, brass raw material costs increase, pushing brass prices higher. See our copper and aluminium pages for related pricing.
Slower Chinese property construction reduced galvanized steel demand. Simultaneously, new mine supply came online in Australia and Canada, and European smelters restarted after the 2022 energy crisis eased, adding refined zinc supply back to the market.
Daily, from LME market data. May be delayed 15–20 minutes. For informational purposes only — not financial advice.
