[SMM Analysis] China’s April Copper Wire Rod Exports Soar Amid Domestic Oversupply and Rising Overseas Demand

In April, total exports of copper wire rod (HS codes 74081100 and 74081900) increased MoM, showing growth both YoY and MoM. The specific data are as follows:

According to customs data, in terms of total copper cathode wire rod exports, the total exports of copper cathode wire rod (HS code 74081100, 74081900) in April were up 19.24% MoM to 30,500 mt, up 112.27% YoY. Among them, exports of refined copper wire with maximum cross-section dimension >6mm were 16,600 mt, up 21.66% MoM and up 108.2% YoY. Monthly exports of other refined copper wire were 13,900 mt, up 16.47% MoM and up 117.36% YoY.

In April 2026, exports of copper wire rod (HS code 74081100, 74081900) rose MoM. The core reasons were the concentrated release of backlog orders after geopolitical tensions eased in April, combined with domestic overcapacity where domestic demand could not support excessive capacity, leading to capacity surplus spilling overseas. Additionally, copper rod enterprises had been actively developing export channels since the beginning of this year, collectively driving up exports. In terms of specific export trade modes, in April 2026, processing trade with imported materials accounted for 58.18% of total copper wire rod exports, processing trade with supplied materials accounted for 30.54%, Entrepot Trade by Customs Special Control Area accounted for 9.32%, and Ordinary Trade accounted for 1.94%.

By country, the top five export markets for China's copper wire rod in April were Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines, collectively accounting for over 70% of the total. Among them, Malaysia, benefiting from robust local power infrastructure demand and the high cost-performance advantage of domestically produced copper rod, saw sustained growth in imports and remained firmly in first place. Saudi Arabia, whose exports had been sluggish due to geopolitical conflicts, experienced a rapid recovery in demand after tensions eased this month, with exports surging 367.13% MoM, pushing its ranking back up to second place.

In summary, copper wire rod exports rebounded MoM in April 2026, primarily driven by the gradual recovery of shipping following the easing of geopolitical conflicts, sustained strength in overseas power infrastructure and new energy demand, and accelerated export pace fueled by domestic capacity overflow. Entering May, demand outside China is expected to remain strong, and coupled with increased export efforts by Chinese enterprises, overall exports are expected to continue rebounding MoM, though the growth rate may moderate compared to April.