Zinc premiums crept up in Northern Europe on Tuesday March 19 after buyers were enticed by a price retreat earlier this week; lead markets were largely stable except in India where there were further drops due to a temporary surge in Iranian supply.
Northern European zinc buyers are active in the spot market this week, causing premiums to narrow up. China's zinc premium softened amid a closed import window; premiums in other Asian markets stable. Indian lead premiums continue to drop following temporary inflow of Iranian units ahead of new year holidays. US market participants hope for second-quarter increase in demand. Northern European zinc buyers snap up spot tonnages; premiums up Spot premiums rose slightly in the Northern European zinc market on increased buying activity to snap up tonnages despite a backwardation in spreads. The premium for tin on a duty-paid fca Rotterdam basis rose to $105-117 per tonne on Tuesday, compared with $100-117 per tonne a week prior. The premium in Antwerp followed Rotterdam, rising $5 on the low end to $105-117 per tonne with multiple parcels traded within the new range. "Since last Friday we have been receiving so many...