Operating Rates of Copper Billet Producers Continued to Pull Back This Week

Looking ahead to next week, intraday copper prices edged down slightly, and alongside pre-stocking for the Dragon Boat Festival, downstream dip-buying sentiment recovered somewhat, with purchase and sales sentiment each up 0.04 WoW, while transactions for low-priced sources were moderate. However, suppliers’ morning quotes were firm, with standard-quality copper at parity to a premium of 30 yuan/mt, then continuously lowered to near parity. In the second session, some brands were quoted at a discount of 20 yuan/mt, reflecting that amid the current copper price decline, suppliers' willingness to sell increased, while downstream willingness to chase higher prices was insufficient, leaving overall transactions muted. Overall, constrained by high copper prices, Shanghai spot copper premiums against the 2607 contract are expected to hold at current levels next week, or edge up slightly.

[SMM Shanghai spot copper] Next week, with intraday copper prices edging down and combined with pre-holiday restocking ahead of the Dragon Boat Festival, downstream dip-buying sentiment recovered somewhat. Purchase and sales sentiment rose 0.04 WoW respectively, with moderate transactions for low-priced cargoes. However, suppliers' early-session offers were firm, with standard-quality copper quoted from parity to a premium of 30 yuan/mt, subsequently adjusted down to near parity. In the second session, some brands were already quoted at a discount of 20 yuan/mt, reflecting that amid the current copper price decline, suppliers' willingness to sell increased, while downstream buyers' willingness to chase higher prices was insufficient. Overall trading was thin. On balance, pressured by high copper prices, Shanghai spot copper premiums against the SHFE 2607 contract are expected to remain at current levels next week or edge up slightly.

[North China Copper Cathode Spot Market] On the last trading day before the holiday, suppliers sold at lower prices to facilitate shipments, concerned about inventory buildup after the holiday, which weakened spot copper cathode premiums in North China. As the mid-year period approaches, the pressure to sell is expected to emerge, putting spot premiums under pressure after the holiday.