SHFE Prices Fell Rapidly, Consumption Support Emerged [SMM Yangshan Spot Copper]

Published: Mar 19, 2026 14:47

     March 18, 2026: The average warrant price was unchanged from the previous trading day, closed at $47/mt (price range: $42-52/mt); the average B/L price was unchanged from the previous trading day, closed at $46/mt (price range: $41-51/mt); the average EQ copper (CIF B/L) price rose by $1/mt from the previous trading day, closed at $26/mt (price range: $21-31/mt), with quotations referring to cargoes scheduled to arrive from late March to mid-April.

   Since last night, SHFE prices had continued to decline, while China spot premiums rose, opening the window for spot imports. Suppliers actively sought bonded warrants or B/Ls arriving in the near term. It was heard that a small volume of ER copper B/Ls arriving in late March was offered at $50-60/mt, QP April; EQ B/L offers for arrival in late March and early April were quoted at $35, while EQ B/Ls arriving in mid-to-late April were offered at $35/mt and traded at $30/mt, with both April and May QP available. Standard ER copper warrants for delivery within the week were offered at $50/mt, QP April.

 

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
Copper Inventory Drops, Prices Fall, Stimulating Downstream Demand
Common.Time.minsAgo
Copper Inventory Drops, Prices Fall, Stimulating Downstream Demand
Read More
Copper Inventory Drops, Prices Fall, Stimulating Downstream Demand
Copper Inventory Drops, Prices Fall, Stimulating Downstream Demand
According to data released by the SHFE on March 19, copper warrants saw significant declines across major regions, with total inventory dropping by 12,244 tons from the previous trading day, marking a substantial drawdown. Copper prices continued their downward trend during the day, with the trading range dipping to 94,000-95,800 yuan per ton. The price drop stimulated downstream companies' enthusiasm for buying on dips, pushing the spot premium/discount center upward. Taking advantage of the rebounding premiums, holders actively shipped their warrants, leading to a large outflow of inventory that was subsequently absorbed by downstream consumers. This indicates that current price levels have become increasingly attractive to end-users.
Common.Time.minsAgo
Data: SHFE, DCE market movement (Mar 19)
Common.Time.hoursAgo
Data: SHFE, DCE market movement (Mar 19)
Read More
Data: SHFE, DCE market movement (Mar 19)
Data: SHFE, DCE market movement (Mar 19)
The following table shows the ferrous and nonferrous metals movement on the SHFE and DCE on 19 Mar , 2026
Common.Time.hoursAgo
Copper Cathode Spot Supply Remained Relatively Tight
Common.Time.hoursAgo
Copper Cathode Spot Supply Remained Relatively Tight
Read More
Copper Cathode Spot Supply Remained Relatively Tight
Copper Cathode Spot Supply Remained Relatively Tight
[SMM North China Copper Cathode Spot Market] As copper prices fell, downstream consumption in the North China copper cathode market improved recently, spot supply remained relatively tight, suppliers' sentiment to hold prices firm strengthened, and the average spot premiums rose to around parity.
Common.Time.hoursAgo
Register to Continue Reading
Gain access to the latest insights in metals and new energy
Already have an account?sign in here