Copper Prices Fell in Early Trading, Stimulating Downstream Restocking Sentiment, Spot Premiums/Discounts Rose [SMM North China Spot Copper]

Published: Feb 6, 2026 11:27
In North China today, spot prices of #1 copper cathode against the front-month contract were at a discount of 320-160 yuan/mt, averaging a discount of 240 yuan/mt, up 90 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. Transaction prices ranged from 98,380-100,270 yuan/mt, with the average price at 99,325 yuan/mt, down 1,555 yuan/mt from the previous trading day.

SMM Feb. 6:

Spot premiums for #1 copper cathode against the front-month contract in north China were at discounts of 320-160 yuan/mt today, averaging a discount of 240 yuan/mt, up 90 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. Transaction prices ranged from 98,380-100,270 yuan/mt, averaging 99,325 yuan/mt, down 1,555 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. Lower copper prices in the early session spurred downstream restocking sentiment, but with the Chinese New Year approaching, logistics in north China were relatively tight, prompting suppliers to hold spot premiums firm. Today, the procurement sentiment for copper cathode in north China was 2.47, up 0.48 from the previous trading day, while the sales sentiment was 1.66, up 0.21 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
Copper prices continued to decline, market trading improved, spot premiums have risen for four consecutive days [SMM South China Spot Copper]
1 hour ago
Copper prices continued to decline, market trading improved, spot premiums have risen for four consecutive days [SMM South China Spot Copper]
Read More
Copper prices continued to decline, market trading improved, spot premiums have risen for four consecutive days [SMM South China Spot Copper]
Copper prices continued to decline, market trading improved, spot premiums have risen for four consecutive days [SMM South China Spot Copper]
1 hour ago
Lunar New Year Slowdown Weighs on Asian Copper Scrap Demand; Korea Discounts Fall Sharply While Japan Holds Firmer
2 hours ago
Lunar New Year Slowdown Weighs on Asian Copper Scrap Demand; Korea Discounts Fall Sharply While Japan Holds Firmer
Read More
Lunar New Year Slowdown Weighs on Asian Copper Scrap Demand; Korea Discounts Fall Sharply While Japan Holds Firmer
Lunar New Year Slowdown Weighs on Asian Copper Scrap Demand; Korea Discounts Fall Sharply While Japan Holds Firmer
China will enter Lunar New Year holidays next week, with logistics and scrap traders suspending operations, ending pre-holiday restocking. As the world’s largest copper scrap consumer steps back, demand across Asia has weakened. South Korea has seen clearer pressure, with No.2 scrap discounts falling from around 90% to 88%–89%. Japan, without a holiday shutdown, shows only a mild adjustment of about 0.5% in discounts.
2 hours ago
[SMM Analysis]China’s Holiday Pause Cools Asian Copper Scrap Market; Recovery Uncertain
2 hours ago
[SMM Analysis]China’s Holiday Pause Cools Asian Copper Scrap Market; Recovery Uncertain
Read More
[SMM Analysis]China’s Holiday Pause Cools Asian Copper Scrap Market; Recovery Uncertain
[SMM Analysis]China’s Holiday Pause Cools Asian Copper Scrap Market; Recovery Uncertain
[SMM Analysis: China’s Holiday Pause Cools Asian Copper Scrap Market; Recovery Uncertain] As the world’s largest consumer of copper scrap, China’s temporary withdrawal from the market has directly weakened overall demand across Asia. Regional buying interest has quickly faded, and the market has shifted from a state of “active inquiries and transactions” to one of “quoted prices but limited deals,” leading to a visible pullback in scrap trading prices across several markets.
2 hours ago
Register to Continue Reading
Gain access to the latest insights in metals and new energy
Already have an account?sign in here