Copper Prices Rise but Demand Remains Weak, Spot Premiums Continue to Weaken [SMM North China Spot Copper]

Published: May 25, 2026 11:31
Today, #1 copper cathode spot prices in North China against the front-month contract were reported at an average discount of 360 yuan/mt to a discount of 280 yuan/mt, with the average price down 10 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. The average transaction price was 105,230 yuan/mt, up 1,035 yuan/mt from the previous trading day.

SMM May 25 News:

Today, spot prices of #1 copper cathode in North China against the front-month contract averaged a discount of 360 yuan/mt to a discount of 280 yuan/mt, with the average price down 10 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. The average transaction price was 105,230 yuan/mt, up 1,035 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. Copper prices strengthened today, but downstream demand remained repeatedly suppressed and could hardly be called optimistic, with spot premiums remaining under pressure and weakening. Today, the procurement sentiment for copper cathode in North China was 1.55, down 0.27 from the previous trading day, and the shipments sentiment was 2.51, down 0.36 from the previous trading day ().

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
High Prices Continue to Suppress Consumption, Shanghai Spot Copper Premiums Widen Further [SMM Shanghai Spot Copper]
1 hour ago
High Prices Continue to Suppress Consumption, Shanghai Spot Copper Premiums Widen Further [SMM Shanghai Spot Copper]
Read More
High Prices Continue to Suppress Consumption, Shanghai Spot Copper Premiums Widen Further [SMM Shanghai Spot Copper]
High Prices Continue to Suppress Consumption, Shanghai Spot Copper Premiums Widen Further [SMM Shanghai Spot Copper]
[SMM Shanghai Spot Copper] Looking ahead to tomorrow, copper prices edged up during the day, market trading cooled notably, downstream enterprises mainly made just-in-time procurement, and demand was unlikely to see significant increases. The inter-month Contango price spread between futures contracts widened slightly, and suppliers showed some willingness to hold prices firm. In addition, according to SMM, available spot copper in Jiangsu was relatively tight, with some downstream enterprises reporting difficulty in finding low-priced supplies. Overall, amid high copper prices suppressing demand and the slightly widening Contango price spread between futures contracts, Shanghai spot copper is expected to maintain a discount against the 2606 contract tomorrow, potentially widening slightly.
1 hour ago
Copper Social Inventory in China's Major Regions Continued Inventory Buildup Trend Over the Weekend [SMM Weekly Data]
1 hour ago
Copper Social Inventory in China's Major Regions Continued Inventory Buildup Trend Over the Weekend [SMM Weekly Data]
Read More
Copper Social Inventory in China's Major Regions Continued Inventory Buildup Trend Over the Weekend [SMM Weekly Data]
Copper Social Inventory in China's Major Regions Continued Inventory Buildup Trend Over the Weekend [SMM Weekly Data]
1 hour ago
Suzhou Jiuheng Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. Supports SMM in Creating the "2027 Global Copper Foil Industry Chain Distribution Map"
Common.Time.hoursAgo
Suzhou Jiuheng Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. Supports SMM in Creating the "2027 Global Copper Foil Industry Chain Distribution Map"
Read More
Suzhou Jiuheng Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. Supports SMM in Creating the "2027 Global Copper Foil Industry Chain Distribution Map"
Suzhou Jiuheng Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. Supports SMM in Creating the "2027 Global Copper Foil Industry Chain Distribution Map"
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