Operating Rate of Scrap Anode Plate in China Rebounds

From January to May 2026, China's electronic information manufacturing sector experienced rapid production growth and steady export progress. In May, the value added of the electronic information manufacturing industry above designated size was up 17% YoY, with integrated circuit production reaching 228.6 billion units, up 25.4% YoY.

The enamelled wire industry saw a slight increase in operating rates and orders taken this week, though enterprise order differentiation remained pronounced. The winding down of mid-year settlements spurred some downstream restocking, generating only a small, short-term increase in volume. End-users remained in the traditional off-season, with weak essential demand support, leaving overall demand stable but soft, and there was yet no signal of sustained recovery.

Spot premiums in Shandong rose steadily this week. As of Thursday, the average spot copper price in Shandong was quoted at a premium of 50 yuan/mt. This week, the market maintained a weak supply-demand pattern. Two smelters in the province conducted simultaneous maintenance, and the regional circulating supply was already tight. Coupled with the continuous destocking of copper cathode social inventory, the concentrated stockpiling and logistical disruptions caused by typhoon expectations in East China further tightened the spot supply in the market, providing strong support for spot offers. Meanwhile, end-users in the province were in the off-season, with weak purchasing demand. However, suppliers held back from selling and were reluctant to sell at lower prices. Offers in the market diver