Operating rates of copper plate/sheet and strip producers increased 1.8 percentage points MoM in January.

Published: Feb 5, 2026 15:02

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The operating rate for the copper plate/sheet and strip industry in January was 70.01%, up 1.8 percentage points MoM and up 11.67 percentage points YoY. Copper plate/sheet and strip demand improved MoM in January, driven by volatile copper prices influencing end-user procurement pace. In mid-month, copper prices pulled back and stabilized, prompting downstream "fear of rising prices" restocking, while previously suppressed rigid demand orders were released collectively, driving the operating rate higher.

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