External Market Price Spread Provided Support; North China Premium Edged Up Slightly [SMM North China Spot Copper]

Published: Aug 28, 2026 11:32

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Spot prices against the front-month contract for #1 copper cathode in North China were quoted at a premium of 80–300 yuan/mt today, with the average premium at 190 yuan/mt, an increase of 20 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. The average transaction price was 109,250 yuan/mt, an increase of 160 yuan/mt from the previous trading day;

SMM News on August 28:

Today, spot #1 copper cathode in north China was quoted at premiums of 80 to 300 yuan/mt against the front-month contract, with the average premium at 190 yuan/mt, an increase of 20 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. The average transaction price was 109,250 yuan/mt, up 160 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. As month-end approached, available supply in the market was limited, and spot premiums in east China rose, boosting suppliers’ willingness to hold prices firm. However, downstream demand remained weak, purchase willingness pulled back, market trading activity declined, and spot premiums in north China edged up. Today, the copper cathode purchasing sentiment in north China was 1.35, down 0.04 from the previous trading day, while shipment sentiment was 2.44, down 0.09 from the previous trading day. ().

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