Downstream Sentiment Cooled, Spot Premiums Stabilized [SMM North China Spot Copper]

Published: Mar 18, 2026 11:42

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Spot #1 copper cathode prices in North China were quoted at an average discount of 60 yuan/mt against the front-month contract today, unchanged from the previous trading day. The average transaction price was 99,020 yuan/mt, down 1,240 yuan/mt from the previous trading day.

SMM, March 18:

Today, spot prices of #1 copper cathode in North China against the front-month contract averaged a discount of 60 yuan/mt, unchanged from the previous trading day, while the average transaction price fell by 1,240 yuan/mt from the previous trading day to 99,020 yuan/mt. Copper prices remained in the doldrums, and after downstream buyers had previously replenished raw material inventory, procurement sentiment cooled somewhat, while spot premiums stabilized. Today, procurement sentiment for copper cathode in North China was 2.85, up 0.04 from the previous trading day, while shipment sentiment was 2.52, up 0.81 from the previous trading day ().

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