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    CRU: Sheet Galvanizing Key to Zinc Demand Recovery in 2021

    Written by Sam Grant


    By CRU Analyst Sam Grant, from CRU’s Steel Sheet Products Monitor

    Galvanized steel sheet equates to around 30% of refined zinc demand, making it the most significant first use for zinc globally. China is by far the world’s largest producer, responsible for 33% of the global total, with North East Asia, North America and Europe constituting a further 45%. Most of this sheet is ultimately consumed in the construction and automotive sectors as well as a smaller proportion in consumer durables, other engineering, and transportation infrastructure. In absolute terms, sheet galvanizing equated to almost 4 Mt of refined zinc demand in 2020. In this Insight, we will explore the sheet galvanizing sector, looking at the impact of COVID-19 on output and trade and discuss the outlook for 2021.

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