Similarly to other base metals, the price of zinc rose dramatically in the second half of 2009. Zinc smelter utilization dropped from 2008 to 2009 along with mine closures as the industry tried to cut back supply in order to balance more evenly with demand. Because of this, the zinc market could reach a deficit by the end of 2009. However one potential restraint on the price could be the high stock levels. The LME and China could be holding as much as 1 million tonnes, and if that stock were ever liquidated it would have an adverse effect on prices.