Copper Cathode Rod Producers' Operating Rate Falls to 77.82% Amid High Prices and Weak Demand

Published: Apr 17, 2026 10:23

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【SMM Copper Cathode Rod News Flash】 The operating rate of copper cathode rod producers fell 2.16 percentage points WoW to 77.82% this week. Copper prices fluctuating at highs suppressed downstream purchasing demand, new orders were weak, and enterprises mostly relied on earlier orders to maintain rigid-demand production, with operating rates pulling back slightly. Downstream demand showed significant divergence, with the enamelled wire industry performing weakly, while the wire and cable industry remained relatively stable, supported by State Grid procurement.

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