Zinc exports to Japan may rise

SHANGHAI - Zinc exports from China, the biggest producer and consumer, to Japan may gain after the earthquake on March 11 disrupted smelter production, said an executive at Shanghai Eagle-Metals Co.

"Our orders for zinc jumped after the quake in Japan," said Li Zhihua, president of Eagle-Metals, one of the largest privately-owned nonferrous metals trading companies in China. "Some smelters suspended operations after the earthquake and transport may be a problem as well, so some buyers are sourcing from China."

Zinc smelters in Japan, including Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co, Dowa Holdings Co, and Toho Zinc Co have suspended operations after the magnitude-9 temblor and tsunami. The affected capacity totaled 451,200 tons, according to Bloomberg's calculations. The metal, used to galvanize steel, is widely found in home appliances and vehicles.