if i were chinese..., page-2

This answers part of the demand equation as well...

Spain sold more debt than planned, while German investor confidence unexpectedly rose to a two-year high. The IMF raised its forecast for global growth in 2012 to 3.5 percent from 3.3 percent and lifted its estimate for U.S. expansion. The reports helped allay concerns sparked by data showing lower foreign direct investment in China and a surprise drop U.S. housing starts.

Source: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-04-17/copper-falls-for-third-day-as-slowing-growth-curbs-demand.html

The IMF forecast for global GDP is up almost 1% from rather pessimistic forecasts at the start of the year. This translates directly into 1% more of global zinc demand but still doesn't really tell you when the Chinese will pull out the purchase orders....