SHANGHAI, May 7 (SMM) – The July-delivery copper did not show significant change Wednesday morning, but started rising in the afternoon, climbing above RMB 46,000/mt. The prices then fell slightly at the tail of trading and ended at RMB 43,130/mt, up RMB 430/mt. Trading volumes in the most active contract grew 181,000 lots and positions fell 18,034. However, the red metal increased more slowly than other base metals.

Spot copper quoted between a RMB 40/mt discount and a premiums of RMB 50/mt to SHFE 1505 copper contract in Shanghai early May 6. Standard-quality copper traded at RMB 45,950-46,150/mt, and high-quality copper sold for RMB 46,000-46,200/mt.

SHFE copper failed to show continued strong momentum and the price gap between SHFE 1505 and 1506 copper contracts narrowed. Cargo holders rushed to sell, driving down spot copper prices. A few speculators restocked after prices pulled back, while downstream buyers still refused to build additional stocks. In the afternoon, most goods were offered between a RMB 100/mt discount and a RMB 20/mt premium.