CME Group launches U.S. zinc futures

On August 26, CME Group announced that the first trading of U.S. zinc futures had been completed through the CMEGlobex electronic trading platform, with Glencore and Trafigura trading parties. The first transaction was completed on August 20, and the delivery month was September. CME Group stated that in March 2026, zinc futures contracts have been adjusted to the "U.S. duty-paid delivery" model based on customer demand, providing the market with tools to manage fluctuations in U.S. zinc prices. As a risk management tool for exchange-traded and central clearing, the contract will help producers, consumers and middlemen increase transparency in U.S. zinc prices and optimize hedging strategies. Kim Hennig, global head of CME metals business, said that geopolitical fragmentation is reshaping global supply chains, regional price signals are becoming more important, the U.S. zinc market is gradually forming its own pricing logic, and the new contract is designed to help participants manage risk exposure.