GLOBAL ZINC & LEAD WRAP: US zinc, lead markets hold firm; Europe contract negotiations continue

Premiums for zinc and lead in the United States and Europe were static in the week to Tuesday December 1, with limited container availability and elevated freight costs weighing on market sentiment, while those looking to secure next year's contractual tonnage in Europe reported better-than-expected demand conditions.

Freight hike caps US business amid quiet zinc marketStrong battery demand supports US lead premium European zinc demand surpasses expectationsUS lead premiums flat on tight supply, zinc unchanged
In the United States, the premiums for lead ingots remained unchanged this week, supported by tight supply and high freight rates.
Fastmarkets assessed the lead 99.97% ingot premium, ddp Midwest US at 9.5-10.5 cents per lb on Tuesday, stable after rising to this level on November 24. The lead 99.99% ingot premium, delivered Midwest US held at 11.25-12.25 cents per lb on the same day, unchanged since October 20.
"Material is very tight and freight is very expensive," a lead consumer said.

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