Zinc premiums in most regions were unchanged week-on-week amid sluggish demand, but a recovery was seen in the Italian market as low stocks buoyed prices ahead of the arrival of new shipments. Meanwhile, Indian lead premiums dipped on the futures price uptick on the London Metal Exchange (LME).
Italian zinc premiums gain, underpinned by low stocks. Might be short-lived as new supply is on the wayZinc premiums in other regions flat as Chinese New Year approaches Indian lead premiums soften as LME price records a moderate rise since the start of the year US, Taiwan lead market quiet with premiums stable Italian zinc premiums gain with warehouse stocks low Spot premiums for zinc ingots in Italy rose this week to $150-160 per tonne, compared with $145-155 last week. Delivered premiums in the region are unchanged at $185-195 per tonne. Premiums are firming on low stocks, with no material available in LME sheds in Trieste, Genoa or Leghorn. The increase in spot premiums is expected to be short-lived, however, with a shipment of Skorpion material on its way from Namibia. Asian market...