Stavian Industrial Metal only offers discounts for large orders—specifically, a minimum of 200 tons for steel, 100 tons for aluminum, and 50 tons for copper and zinc.
Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing markets for non-ferrous metals in Southeast Asia, with zinc being an essential component in various manufacturing sectors. From galvanizing steel for infrastructure projects to producing die-cast alloys for the automotive and electronics industries, zinc ingots are indispensable. However, the landscape of zinc consumption in Vietnam is shaped by different types of ingots—each serving a unique industrial need. Types of zinc ingots consumed in Vietnam include Special High Grade (SHG), remelted zinc ingots, and zinc alloys with added elements like aluminum or magnesium. Understanding these classifications is crucial for stakeholders looking to tap into Vietnam’s vibrant metal industry, optimize import-export strategies, and stay ahead of regulatory and market trends.
The Vietnamese zinc market has demonstrated remarkable expansion in recent years, propelled by rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and increasing demand from manufacturing sectors. According to data from the Vietnam Ministry of Industry and Trade, zinc consumption in the country grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 7% between 2018 and 2023, reaching approximately 135,000 metric tons in 2023. The surge is primarily driven by the galvanization industry, which accounts for nearly 65% of total zinc ingot demand.
The growing demand requires diversified zinc ingot types to serve different industrial processes efficiently. While domestic zinc production is limited, imports remain the backbone of the supply chain. Stakeholders across the value chain—from importers and distributors to end-use manufacturers—must be fully aware of the technical specifications and applications of various zinc ingot types to make informed procurement decisions.
SHG zinc ingots, typically with a purity level of 99.995% Zn, are the most demanded type in Vietnam’s industrial sectors. They are primarily used in:
Vietnamese buyers usually source SHG zinc from countries with large-scale refining capacity, such as South Korea, Australia, and Canada. The consistency in metallurgical performance and traceable origin are key criteria in selecting suppliers.
However, questions remain about the future availability of SHG zinc as global demand increases—will Vietnam need to invest in upstream zinc mining and refining to ensure long-term supply security?
Remelted zinc ingots are derived from post-consumer or industrial scrap and contain varying levels of impurities (typically 98.5%–99.5% Zn). These are widely used by:
In Vietnam, remelted ingots are popular in industrial zones in provinces like Binh Duong and Dong Nai, where cost-sensitive manufacturers are concentrated. While the cost savings are evident, concerns around quality consistency and trace metal contamination present challenges. Could the increasing environmental regulations on scrap-based materials reshape this segment?
Zinc-aluminum alloys, particularly those with aluminum content between 4% and 27%, have gained traction in advanced manufacturing processes, especially in:
In Vietnam, demand for Zn-Al ingots is growing in northern industrial clusters, notably Bac Ninh and Hai Phong, where electronics and automotive suppliers operate. These ingots offer improved mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and casting fluidity. The trend toward lightweight components for fuel efficiency and sustainability is further pushing the adoption of such alloys. Could Vietnamese smelters scale up localized Zn-Al alloy production to reduce import reliance?
Zinc-magnesium alloys, while relatively new in the Vietnamese market, are making inroads due to their enhanced corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. Typical applications include:
Though currently limited in domestic application, zinc-magnesium alloys are expected to gain traction as Vietnam moves toward high-value industrial manufacturing and integrates more deeply with global supply chains. Research partnerships between industrial users and academic institutions could accelerate the adoption curve—but are Vietnamese manufacturers ready for the technical transition?
Vietnam imports more than 80% of its zinc ingot requirements, primarily from Asia-Pacific economies. According to UN Comtrade data (2024), the top suppliers include:
The free trade agreements (FTAs) such as the ASEAN-Korea FTA and CPTPP significantly reduce import duties and facilitate stable supply flows. However, fluctuations in global zinc prices, logistical bottlenecks, and geopolitical tensions can impact availability and pricing. How can Vietnamese buyers hedge against such supply chain risks?
The evolution of zinc alloy consumption has mirrored the development of Vietnam’s automotive and electronics sectors. For instance, automotive part manufacturers require ingots that allow for:
In electronics, miniaturization of components demands alloys with excellent mold-filling capabilities and high-fidelity casting. As multinational corporations expand their production bases in Vietnam, local suppliers are under pressure to meet international standards such as ASTM B240 or JIS H2107. Are local foundries prepared to adopt global testing protocols and material traceability systems?
In infrastructure, the corrosion protection of steel components using SHG zinc or Zn-Mg coatings ensures longevity and safety. Infrastructure projects such as bridges, tunnels, and highway railings rely heavily on zinc-based galvanization. The Ministry of Transport has recently proposed new technical guidelines requiring higher durability coatings—will this mandate accelerate the adoption of premium zinc ingot types?
As Vietnam integrates more deeply into global supply chains, especially in high-tech and automotive manufacturing, there is a clear shift from traditional zinc types toward high-performance alloys such as:
This transition is driven by demand for greater efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and adherence to international product quality benchmarks. Industrial clusters around Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are witnessing the emergence of specialized zinc alloy foundries catering to this market. However, the cost and complexity of producing advanced alloys locally remain a major barrier. Can public-private partnerships help bridge this technology gap?
Vietnam’s energy transition and the government’s push for electric vehicle (EV) adoption are opening new opportunities for zinc ingot consumption, particularly:
As the country plans to have 1 million electric cars on the road by 2030, the demand for high-grade and specialized zinc inputs is projected to increase by at least 15% annually. Are domestic suppliers positioned to capture this demand shift, or will imports continue to dominate?
Zinc ingots used in Vietnam must comply with various international and local standards, including:
Customs clearance and industrial use are contingent upon meeting these standards. Importers must provide certificates of analysis (COA), material safety data sheets (MSDS), and sometimes even third-party inspection results. The trend is moving toward greater traceability, with digital tracking of lot numbers and smelting origin. How fast can local manufacturers adopt these transparency protocols to enhance market credibility?
While SHG and imported alloy ingots often come with clear documentation, remelted and secondary zinc ingots may present inconsistencies in composition, which can lead to:
Vietnamese foundries are investing in in-house spectrometry and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis tools to verify input quality. Yet, many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) lack the capital to implement full-scale quality assurance. Could industry associations play a greater role in offering centralized testing services?
Zinc is highly recyclable, with nearly 60% of zinc used globally coming from secondary sources. In Vietnam, the recycling industry is still emerging but holds great promise. Remelted zinc ingots, if produced responsibly, can reduce the carbon footprint of manufacturing. Key developments include:
Vietnam’s draft national circular economy strategy envisions a 30% increase in metal recycling by 2030. Will zinc producers align with this vision and secure competitive advantages through environmental stewardship?
The zinc industry—especially smelting and refining—can contribute to environmental challenges such as:
To mitigate this, leading zinc suppliers are adopting:
How can stricter environmental licensing and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting frameworks reshape the zinc ingot supply chain in Vietnam?
Vietnam currently has limited upstream zinc mining and refining capabilities, relying heavily on imports. However, exploration projects in northern provinces like Lao Cai and Tuyen Quang have shown potential zinc reserves. Opportunities for developing domestic zinc production include:
If successfully developed, local zinc production could reduce foreign dependency, stabilize prices, and create high-value jobs. But the path is capital-intensive and requires long-term commitment. Will Vietnam’s industrial policy prioritize this sector as part of its strategy to enhance resource self-sufficiency?
What types of zinc ingots are most commonly used in Vietnam’s construction industry?
Are remelted zinc ingots safe for industrial use in Vietnam?
What are the import regulations for zinc ingots in Vietnam?
Is Vietnam capable of producing high-quality zinc alloys domestically?
What role does zinc recycling play in Vietnam’s metal industry?
How will electric vehicles impact zinc ingot demand in Vietnam?
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