CME Group has launched its U.S. Zinc Futures contract, with the first trades executed by Glencore and Trafigura on CME Globex on August 20 for September delivery.
The contract, which is physically settled and listed by COMEX, is based on the U.S. duty-paid zinc price and is designed to provide market participants with a tool to manage exposure to domestic zinc pricing.
CME Group updated its zinc contract to U.S. duty-paid terms in March 2026 in response to growing demand for a hedging instrument reflecting U.S. market dynamics. The exchange said the contract is intended to improve price transparency and support risk management for zinc producers, consumers and traders.
The launch comes as regional pricing has become increasingly important amid changes in trade policy, geopolitical fragmentation and growing focus on domestic supply security. CME Group said the U.S. zinc market is developing dynamics that are increasingly distinct from global benchmarks.
The exchange has also seen strong activity in its regional metals contracts. U.S. and European HRC futures are trading at record levels year-to-date, while CME’s regional aluminum premium contracts recorded a strong performance in 2025.