Aug 25, 2025
IndexBox has just published a new report: United Kingdom – Zinc Ores And Concentrates – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights.
Driven by increasing demand, the market for zinc ores and concentrates in the UK is expected to show positive growth over the next decade. With a forecasted CAGR of +2.7% for volume and +3.2% for value from 2024 to 2035, the market is projected to reach 1.4K tons and $1.1M respectively by the end of 2035.
Market Forecast
Driven by rising demand for zinc ores and concentrates in the UK, the market is expected to start an upward consumption trend over the next decade. The performance of the market is forecast to increase slightly, with an anticipated CAGR of +2.7% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 1.4K tons by the end of 2035.
In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +3.2% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $1.1M (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.
ConsumptionUnited Kingdom’s Consumption of Zinc Ores And Concentrates
In 2024, consumption of zinc ores and concentrates decreased by -71.8% to 1.1K tons, falling for the fourth year in a row after two years of growth. In general, consumption showed a sharp curtailment. Over the period under review, consumption hit record highs at 22K tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.
The revenue of the zinc ores and concentrates market in the UK declined rapidly to $748K in 2024, waning by -71.7% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Overall, consumption saw a dramatic contraction. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $18M in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, consumption failed to regain momentum.
ProductionUnited Kingdom’s Production of Zinc Ores And Concentrates
Zinc ores and concentrates production in the UK reached 27K tons in 2024, approximately mirroring the previous year’s figure. In general, production showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 0.8%. Zinc ores and concentrates production peaked at 27K tons in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.
In value terms, zinc ores and concentrates production totaled $18M in 2024 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, saw a slight decrease. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when the production volume increased by 14%. Zinc ores and concentrates production peaked at $22M in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, production remained at a lower figure.
ImportsUnited Kingdom’s Imports of Zinc Ores And Concentrates
In 2024, the amount of zinc ores and concentrates imported into the UK fell significantly to 11 tons, which is down by -42.7% on the year before. In general, imports continue to indicate a abrupt setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when imports increased by 923,153%. As a result, imports attained the peak of 2.3K tons. From 2021 to 2024, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.
In value terms, zinc ores and concentrates imports declined to $381K in 2024. Over the period under review, imports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 when imports increased by 384,555% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of $6M. From 2021 to 2024, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.
Imports By Country
In 2024, the United States (10 tons) was the main zinc ores and concentrates supplier to the UK, with a approx. 98% share of total imports.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of volume from the United States totaled +12.6%.
In value terms, the United States ($370K) constituted the largest supplier of zinc ores and concentrates to the UK.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of value from the United States totaled +7.3%.
Import Prices By Country
The average zinc ores and concentrates import price stood at $35,658 per ton in 2024, surging by 51% against the previous year. Overall, the import price continues to indicate a buoyant increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when the average import price increased by 488%. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $45,530 per ton. From 2015 to 2024, the average import prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.
As there is only one major supplying country, the average price level is determined by prices for the United States.
From 2013 to 2024, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Thailand amounted to +3.8% per year.
ExportsUnited Kingdom’s Exports of Zinc Ores And Concentrates
In 2024, zinc ores and concentrates exports from the UK amounted to 26K tons, with an increase of 12% against the year before. In general, exports recorded significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 138%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum in 2024 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.
In value terms, zinc ores and concentrates exports skyrocketed to $15M in 2024. Overall, exports enjoyed buoyant growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 70%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $16M in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2024, the exports remained at a lower figure.
Exports By Country
Poland (26K tons) was the main destination for zinc ores and concentrates exports from the UK, with a approx. 100% share of total exports.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Poland amounted to +21.3%.
In value terms, Poland ($15M) also remains the key foreign market for zinc ores and concentrates exports from the UK.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Poland amounted to +20.5%.
Export Prices By Country
In 2024, the average zinc ores and concentrates export price amounted to $587 per ton, rising by 3.4% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, saw a abrupt curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 an increase of 37%. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the peak figure at $1,066 per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, the export prices failed to regain momentum.
As there is only one major export destination, the average price level is determined by prices for Poland.
From 2013 to 2024, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Poland amounted to -0.7% per year.
Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform