Zinc Holds Near US$3,740 as Peru Output Falls 12% | Zinc, Oct 6
Key Facts
- Zinc traded near US$3,740 a tonne on Tuesday 6 October (Trading Economics; London Metal Exchange three-month contract about US$3,743).
- Nexa Resources fell 0.16% to US$12.45, while Buenaventura rose 1.11% to US$31.94 (EODHD).
- Peru’s zinc output fell 12% in January–July 2026 to 746,000 tonnes of fine metal in concentrate, according to Peru’s mining ministry data compiled by SMM.
- China’s crude steel output fell 3.1% in January–August, which limits demand for galvanised steel, a main use of zinc.
Today’s Focus
Zinc held near US$3,740 a tonne on Tuesday 6 October. The metal is used mainly to coat steel against rust, so Chinese steel output matters for demand.
Supply is the Latin American story. Peru, the world’s second-largest zinc miner, produced 12% less zinc in January–July than a year earlier.
Nexa Resources, a zinc miner with Peruvian and Brazilian operations, fell 0.16%. Buenaventura, a Peruvian precious-metals miner, rose 1.11%.
What matters today. Zinc faces a supply squeeze from Peru and weaker demand from China.
01 The session in one read
Zinc traded near US$3,740 a tonne on Tuesday 6 October, according to Trading Economics. The LME three-month price was about US$3,743 in delayed data. We could not verify a settlement price and do not state a daily change.
Peru produced 746,000 tonnes of zinc, measured as fine metal in concentrate, in January–July 2026. That is 12% less than a year earlier, according to Peru’s mining statistics compiled by Shanghai Metals Market (SMM).
China’s crude steel output fell 3.7% in August from a year earlier, which weighs on demand for galvanised steel.
Falling Peruvian output should support prices, but weaker Chinese steel output limits the demand side.
The variable to watch is Peru’s next monthly output figure and any Chinese property or steel stimulus.
02 The board
Nexa Resources, the clearest listed zinc stock in Latin America through its Peruvian and Brazilian mines and smelters, fell 0.16% to US$12.45.
Buenaventura, a Peruvian miner of gold, silver and base metals, rose 1.11% to US$31.94.
| Asset | Level | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Nexa Resources | US$12.45 | -0.16% |
| Buenaventura | US$31.94 | +1.11% |
Source: EODHD (shares), close of 2026-10-06. Zinc price: Trading Economics, LME delayed data.
Zinc itself was about US$3,740 a tonne (Trading Economics; LME delayed price). EODHD has no zinc series, so shares are labelled proxies. Rio Times · Live Market Intelligence
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441.97
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03 What moved it
Peru’s zinc output is the main supply driver. Production fell 12% in January–July.
On the demand side, zinc’s main use is to coat steel, and China’s crude steel output fell 3.1% in January–August, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
04 The Latin American read
Peru is the region’s zinc heavyweight; Mexico and Bolivia also mine it. Zinc is an important export and a source of tax income for these countries.
Falling Peruvian output is a risk for local mining regions and for export earnings.
05 The names to watch
Nexa Resources is the purest listed Latin American zinc play, with smelting capacity as well as mines. Its small fall suggests investors are not yet convinced that zinc will rise.
Buenaventura’s gain reflects its broader mix of metals. Investors may see it as a more defensive choice.
06 The outlook
Zinc’s path depends on whether Chinese demand recovers enough to absorb tighter Peruvian supply. Until then, expect choppy trading.
More falls in Peruvian output would deepen the supply story.
07 What to watch
- Peru’s monthly output: The next mining statistics bulletin will show whether the decline continues.
- Chinese steel and property data: Weak numbers would limit zinc’s demand.
- Nexa guidance: Volume and cost updates would move the share price.
- US dollar: A softer dollar supports dollar-priced metals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was zinc on 6 October?
Zinc traded near US$3,740 a tonne, according to Trading Economics, with the London Metal Exchange three-month price at about US$3,743 in delayed data.
Why is Peruvian output important for zinc?
Peru is among the world’s largest zinc miners, and its output fell 12% in January–July 2026, which tightens supply.
What is the best listed zinc stock in Latin America?
Nexa Resources, with mines and smelters in Peru and Brazil, is the clearest option. It closed at US$12.45, down 0.16%.
Why does China matter for zinc?
Zinc is mainly used to coat steel against rust, so Chinese steel output affects demand.
Market data: EODHD; zinc price: Trading Economics; Peru output: Shanghai Metals Market; steel output: National Bureau of Statistics of China
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief
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