Apr 12, 2025
IndexBox has just published a new report: United Kingdom – Zinc Ores And Concentrates – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights.
Rising demand for zinc ores and concentrates in the UK is driving market growth, with an anticipated CAGR of +8.6% in volume and +17.3% in value from 2024 to 2035. By the end of 2035, the market is projected to reach 2.7K tons in volume and $4.1M in value (in nominal wholesale prices).
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 +8.6% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 2.7K tons by the end of 2035.
In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +17.3% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $4.1M (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 -74.4% to 1.1K tons, falling for the fourth consecutive year after two years of growth. In general, consumption showed a dramatic contraction. Over the period under review, consumption reached the peak volume at 21K tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.
The value of the zinc ores and concentrates market in the UK declined notably to $715K in 2024, falling by -74.2% 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 showed a significant decrease. Zinc ores and concentrates consumption peaked at $14M in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.
ProductionUnited Kingdom’s Production of Zinc Ores And Concentrates
In 2024, zinc ores and concentrates production in the UK reached 27K tons, approximately mirroring the previous year. In general, production saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when the production volume increased by 0.8% against the previous year. Zinc ores and concentrates production peaked at 27K tons in 2022; afterwards, it flattened through to 2024.
In value terms, zinc ores and concentrates production totaled $18M in 2024 estimated in export price. Overall, production recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when the production volume increased by 8.9%. As a result, production reached the peak level of $18M. From 2018 to 2024, production growth remained at a somewhat lower figure.
ImportsUnited Kingdom’s Imports of Zinc Ores And Concentrates
In 2024, the amount of zinc ores and concentrates imported into the UK shrank remarkably to 67 tons, reducing by -57.7% on the year before. Over the period under review, imports, however, recorded a moderate expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 when imports increased by 923,153% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached 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 soared to $3M in 2024. In general, imports, however, recorded a significant increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 384,555% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of $6M. From 2021 to 2024, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.
Imports By Country
In 2024, Thailand (1.3K tons) was the main zinc ores and concentrates supplier to the UK, accounting for a approx. 1,874% share of total imports.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of volume from Thailand stood at +88.2%.
In value terms, Thailand ($3M) constituted the largest supplier of zinc ores and concentrates to the UK.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Thailand stood at +80.9%.
Import Prices By Country
In 2024, the average zinc ores and concentrates import price amounted to $45,522 per ton, growing by 1,536% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price enjoyed a prominent expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 an increase of 2,463%. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $86,928 per ton. From 2017 to 2024, the average import prices remained at a lower figure.
As there is only one major supplying country, the average price level is determined by prices for Thailand.
From 2013 to 2024, the rate of growth in terms of prices for the Netherlands amounted to +2.9% per year.
ExportsUnited Kingdom’s Exports of Zinc Ores And Concentrates
For the third consecutive year, the UK recorded growth in shipments abroad of zinc ores and concentrates, which increased by 13% to 26K tons in 2024. Over the period under review, exports posted resilient growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when exports increased by 59% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure in 2024 and are likely to continue growth in years to come.
In value terms, zinc ores and concentrates exports rose markedly to $15M in 2024. Overall, exports saw a resilient expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when exports increased by 70%. The exports peaked at $16M in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2024, the exports failed to regain momentum.
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 growth rate of volume to Poland stood at +15.8%.
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 growth rate of value to Poland stood at +20.4%.
Export Prices By Country
The average zinc ores and concentrates export price stood at $563 per ton in 2024, remaining stable against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price saw a perceptible downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when the average export price increased by 22% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $760 per ton. From 2018 to 2024, the average export prices remained at a lower figure.
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 +4.0% per year.
Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform