EU Zinc Imports Fell in 2025 as Dutch and German Demand Weakened

Zinc

EU zinc imports declined in 2025 as weaker buying from the Netherlands and Germany outweighed stronger flows into Italy and Belgium. EU countries imported 1mn t of refined 99.99pc grade unwrought zinc, down 3.2% from the previous year.

EU zinc imports remained closely tied to Europe’s uneven industrial demand. Zinc consumption depends heavily on galvanizing, construction, automotive parts, die casting, infrastructure and manufacturing activity, all of which faced mixed conditions across the region.

EU zinc imports also showed a shift in regional trade flows. The Netherlands remained the largest importer, but its volumes fell sharply, while Italy recorded a strong increase from May onward.

Netherlands and Germany Led the Import Decline

The Netherlands accounted for 22.5% of EU refined zinc imports in 2025, with about 225,950t. However, this was down by roughly 21% on the year, showing weaker intake from Europe’s main zinc import hub.

Germany, the second-largest importer, also reduced purchases. Its imports fell by 10.6% to nearly 198,400t, reflecting continued pressure from weak construction and manufacturing activity.

Belgium moved in the opposite direction, with imports rising by 1.1% to 171,600t. Italy posted the strongest increase among major buyers, with imports rising by 60% to 140,100t after firm year-on-year gains every month from May.

Spain Increased Zinc Supply as Finland and Belgium Fell

Spain became a stronger supplier within the EU refined zinc market in 2025. The country accounted for just over 180,800t of member states’ imports, up 42% from the previous year.

But Spain’s gains were offset by lower deliveries from Finland and Belgium. Finland’s exports fell by 27.4% to 156,180t, while Belgium’s exports declined by 17.7% to nearly 118,600t.

LME three-month zinc prices averaged $2,853/t in 2025, up 1.5% from the previous year. The modest price increase showed some recovery after weak construction and poor manufacturing activity weighed on zinc prices in 2024, but it did not signal a strong demand rebound.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The decline in EU zinc imports shows that Europe’s refined zinc market is still being shaped by weak industrial demand rather than supply shortage. Italy’s stronger buying is notable, but the broader picture remains cautious while construction and manufacturing activity stay uneven.