China’s Zinc Smelter Purchasing Team (CZSPT) has set the domestic processing fees for zinc concentrate at between 2,000 yuan ($281.57) and 2,500 yuan per metric ton for the first quarter of 2025, according to the Media reports. The new fees reflect the industry’s ongoing challenges, including a tight ore supply and declining smelting margins.

For imported zinc concentrates, the processing fees have been set at $10 to $30 per dry ton, as reported by several news agencies. These fees are a key factor in determining the cost for smelters to refine raw zinc concentrate into usable zinc metal. The announcement comes as zinc smelters face increasing pressure on their profitability, with processing fees continuing to deviate significantly from operational costs.

As part of ongoing discussions on industry stability, the group of Chinese smelters has also focused on strengthening self-discipline within the sector. One of the major concerns discussed at recent meetings is the widening gap between smelting fees and actual costs, a situation that has been exacerbated by the current market environment.

In August 2024, the smelters held a meeting to address the deteriorating profitability in the sector. The meeting highlighted how falling ore processing prices, resulting from a constrained supply of zinc ore, had eroded the profits of many smelters. As a result, the companies agreed to delay new production capacity and adjust maintenance schedules to curb costs. These moves were designed to manage production costs more effectively and prevent further financial strain.

Another key topic discussed during this meeting was the possibility of establishing a floor pricing mechanism for zinc concentrate treatment charges. This proposal was aimed at creating a more stable pricing environment for zinc smelters, ensuring that processing fees reflect the costs of production and provide sufficient margins for smelters to remain profitable.

The ongoing issues within the zinc smelting sector reflect broader challenges in the global commodities market, with supply chain disruptions and price volatility impacting the profitability of smelting operations. While the domestic processing fees for Q1 2025 provide some short-term clarity, the smelters' discussions about a potential pricing floor indicate the industry's recognition that further structural adjustments may be necessary to ensure long-term financial stability.

In conclusion, China’s zinc smelters are grappling with rising production costs and falling profitability, leading to the adjustment of processing fees for the first quarter of 2025. These changes are part of a broader effort to address financial pressures within the sector, with discussions on industry pricing mechanisms indicating a desire to stabilize the market amidst tight ore supply and cost concerns.