The operating rate of secondary copper rod was 28.33% in August, higher than the expected 27.43%, down 2.57% MoM but up 3.62% YoY. The core challenge facing the secondary copper rod market in August stemmed from policy expectation uncertainties.

Analyzing Market Strategies to Position for and Drive Up September Copper Prices

[SMM Analysis:The upward trend in smelting acid prices has persisted for over half a year, with further room for growth expected in the fourth quarter.] Will the upward trend continue into the fourth quarter? The answer is yes. On the supply side, ten smelters are scheduled for maintenance in the fourth quarter, affecting 2.7 million tons of crude smelting capacity, which will significantly limit smelting acid supply. Additionally, recent shutdowns of small acid plants in southwestern China have tightened acid sources.On the demand side, winter fertilizer preparation needs will gradually emerge in the fourth quarter, stimulating demand for smelting acid. Moreover, recent renewed increases in sulfur prices have bolstered demand for smelting acid as a substitute for sulfur-based acid. Finally, at the end of August, the EU revoked the carcinogenic label for titanium dioxide, which is expected to benefit China's titanium dioxide export demand.

SMM's monthly production data for base metals is released at the end of each month, aiming to uncover the true fundamentals for industry chain professionals and investors, and providing a clearer grasp of the future direction of the metals market.