In 2023, South Korea led the import of zinc ores and concentrates with $1.37 billion, followed by China at $1.29 billion. European countries including Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, and Norway also featured prominently, with Spain importing $0.736 billion. Japan and Canada showed significant import levels as well. Over the last two years, growth in import value was driven by increasing industrial demand in Asia and Europe. Historically, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for top importers has shown a steady increase reflecting ongoing industrialization and infrastructure projects in these economies.
Future trends to watch include the shift towards sustainable mining practices influencing zinc supply chains and potential trade policy shifts in major importing regions. Additionally, technological advancements in recycling could impact raw zinc ore demand.
Top countries in Top Importers of Zinc Ores and Concentrates
| # | 10 Countries | Million US Dollars | Last Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 South Korea | 1,370 | 2016 | |
| 2 | 2 China | 1,290 | 2016 | |
| 3 | 3 Spain | 736.32 | 2016 | |
| 4 | 4 Belgium | 656.76 | 2016 | |
| 5 | 5 Japan | 623.6 | 2016 | |
| 6 | 6 Canada | 584.84 | 2016 | |
| 7 | 7 Finland | 396.33 | 2016 | |
| 8 | 8 Australia | 342.34 | 2016 | |
| 9 | 9 Netherlands | 320.6 | 2016 | |
| 10 | 10 Norway | 217.01 | 2016 |
