CME Group launches U.S. zinc futures with first trades

CME Group has introduced U.S. zinc futures on its trading platform, with the inaugural trades executed by Glencore and Trafigura on August 20. The contracts, traded on CME Globex, entered effect in September for delivery. The exchange initiated a reform in March 2026 to a U.S. duty-paid status, responding to client demands for tools that can navigate the unique pricing conditions in the United States.

The exchange-traded and centrally cleared product caters to a comprehensive risk management framework for the entire U.S. zinc price. CME Group emphasized that the new futures contract aims to bolster precision, enhance transparency, and improve hedging optimization for producers, consumers, and intermediaries in the market.

As geopolitical shifts reshape global supply chains, the significance of regional price signals has surged. Jin Hennig, Managing Director and Global Head of Metals at CME Group, highlighted this change stating, "The U.S. zinc market is increasingly moving to its own dynamics — driven by domestic policy and supply security." The exchange's new futures contract is designed to cater to this evolving landscape by offering participants a precise instrument to manage their exposure effectively in the evolving market conditions.