CRU
May 30, 2025
CRU: Zinc premium remains elevated on future supply concerns
Written by Olga Hepting
CRU assessed that the US Midwest delivered premium decreased to 18.5¢/lb in May, down 0.5¢/lb from April.
Downward pressure on the US premium persisted due to weakness in key consuming sectors, while refined supply held steady. Some zinc consumers reported that zinc demand in April and May was 5% to 15% lower than in the same months last year. Zinc supply concerns have been largely alleviated for the time being, given zinc’s special status as a critical mineral and its zero tariff rate.

