Global zinc consumption 2005-2023

In 2023, approximately 13.66 million metric tons of refined zinc was consumed worldwide. 

Global zinc production

Zinc is a base metal processed from zinc ore. It releases sulfuric acid during the production process, which is used in a wide range of industries, from pharmaceuticals to bleaching paper. The production of final zinc metal is a complex process involving various stages with the end goal of separating the pure zinc from the zinc ore. While difficult, the highly lucrative nature of zinc production attracts large multinational firms to compete in the zinc market. Since 2005, the global production of zinc metal has increased, reaching over 13.33 million metric tons in 2022. During 2021, China, Peru, and Australia were the leading three countries for zinc mine production, with around 7.1 million metric tons of combined production. After a decline over the past few years, the zinc production volume in China has grown between 2020 and 2021.

Zinc consumption

As a valuable metal, zinc is used in galvanizing, zinc alloying, brass, bronze, and more. Globally, galvanizing is the most major end-use of zinc, accounting for more than half of the market. Between 2018 and 2022, the global consumption of refined zinc remained relatively stable, reaching a high of 14 million tons in 2021 and decreasing to 13.5 million tons the following year. A drop in metal demand in 2020 led to these figures falling to 13.29 million tons. Globally, the total zinc production exceeded the total zinc demand over this period.