Japan Official Zn Price Lowers to 185,000 Yen/t

Mitsui Mining & Smelting announced on Monday the firm revised down its zinc ingot selling price, the market indicator, by 5,000 yen to 185,000 yen per tonne for domestic shipment in May. The revision reflected the decline of overseas zinc market and stronger yen exchange rate against US dollar. The monthly average would be 187,600 yen without any more revision within May.

Zinc spot price at London Metal Exchange was US$ 1,467.5 per tonne at settlement on 22 May, lower by US$ 52 than US$ 1,519.5 on 19 May along which Mitsui Mining & Smelting previously revised its ingot selling price. LME zinc price declined despite of decreasing LME zinc inventory when US stock market maintained downward with announcement of US worst new housing starts in April.

Along US stock market decline, the telegraphic transfer selling rate became 95.94 yen per US dollar on Monday. The exchange rate became stronger by 1.38 yen compared with the day of Mitsui Mining & Smelting’ previous price revision.