Copper Prices Remain High Despite Retreat; Major Plant Plans Shutdown Due to Inventory Buildup

[Wire and Cable Exports by Country] According to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs, wire and cable exports showed a growth trend in April 2026. By country, the US surged to the top position among wire and cable export destinations with exports up 48.77% MoM to 20,000 mt; Vietnam ranked second with exports up 4.56% MoM to 16,000 mt; and Australia ranked third with exports up 11.88% MoM to 14,000 mt. The three countries combined accounted for nearly 20% of total wire and cable exports.

[Copper Wire and Cable Exports by Country] According to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs, copper wire and cable exports continued their growth trend in 2026. By country, Australia ranked first among China's copper wire and cable export destinations with exports up 7.89% MoM to 12,000 mt; the Philippines ranked second with exports up 41.6% MoM to 65,000 mt; and the US ranked third with exports up 35.3% MoM to 63,000 mt. The three countries combined accounted for 19% of China's total copper wire and cable exports.

【SMM Copper Cathode Rod News Flash】In April 2026, China's copper wire rod exports rose MoM, with the trade structure still dominated by processing trade with imported materials. The export market was highly concentrated in Southeast Asia and South Asia's India region, with Malaysia's exports firmly ranking first, surging 39.57% MoM. As geopolitical tensions gradually eased, demand from Saudi Arabia recovered rapidly, with exports rebounding 367.13% MoM, ranking second.