Zinc Wrap: Peru, Brazil Miners Rise on Supply Tightness
Zinc proxies Nexa and Buenaventura moved as supply tightening and low inventories supported prices near multi-year highs on Thursday, August 20, 2026. The post Zinc Wrap: Peru, Brazil Miners Rise on Supply Tightness appeared first on The Rio Times .
Zinc prices surged on Thursday, August 20, 2026, amid supply shortages and dwindling inventories, according to market data. The metal held close to multi-year highs, with live quotes ranging between US$3,748.85 and US$3,793.83 per tonne, reflecting a 1.10% increase. Two Latin American miners, Nexa Resources and Buenaventura, exhibited contrasting performance, with the former losing 0.71% to US$14.07 and the latter gaining 0.53% to US$34.16.
Despite the divergence, both companies saw their zinc prices rise year-over-year, with Buenaventura reporting an 18% increase in its first-quarter 2026 average realized zinc price. The primary driver behind the price surge is supply tightness, resulting from short-term production disruptions and low inventories. This sentiment is reflected in futures trading near four-year highs, a sign that the metal is being valued for its scarcity rather than runaway demand.
While galvanised steel orders remain steady, they are not sufficient to trigger a significant price increase. The outlook for zinc hinges on whether supply tightness persists or if smelters resume operations and galvanised steel demand cools.
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