Global copper market ends in surplus during H1 2015

Published: Aug 21, 2015 09:47
The global copper market has recorded a surplus of 151,000 tonnes during January to June this year.

By  Paul Ploumis 20 Aug 2015  Last updated at  08:30:22 GMT

BRUSSELS (Scrap Monster): The global copper market has recorded a surplus of 151,000 tonnes during January to June this year, as mentioned in the latest metals balances report published by the World Bureau of Metal Statistics (WBMS). It must be noted that the worldwide copper market had reported a surplus of 295,000 tonnes for the entire year 2014.

The global mine production during the period from January to June this year totaled 9.45 million tonnes. The mine production has grown by 3.8% when matched with the corresponding six-month period in 2014. Meantime, global refined copper output jumped higher by 2.4% over the previous year to 11.25 million tonnes. Chinese refined copper output reported significant increase of 161,000 tonnes during this period. EU-28 region’s production grew by 0.5% during January to June 2015. Also, refined copper production was up by 48,000 tonnes in India during H1 2015.

The global copper demand during Jan-June ’15 stood at 11.099 million tonnes, down marginally by nearly 1.18% when compared with 11.231 million tonnes during the same period in 2014. The Chinese apparent consumption recorded sharp fall of 63,000 tonnes during this period to total 5.337 million tonnes. The Chinese demand accounted for nearly 48.1% of the global demand. However, EU-28 apparent consumption increased considerably by 6.8% from 2014 levels to 1.783 million tonnes.

According to the report, reported stocks of the metal stood higher by 93,000 tonnes during the initial six-month period of the year when compared with 2014 closing. It must be noted that reported stocks fell during both May and June this year.


Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM's internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or for more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
SHFE Zinc Prices Consolidate at Highs, Weak Downstream Demand Dampens Spot Trading
Aug 14, 2026 18:12
SHFE Zinc Prices Consolidate at Highs, Weak Downstream Demand Dampens Spot Trading
Read More
SHFE Zinc Prices Consolidate at Highs, Weak Downstream Demand Dampens Spot Trading
SHFE Zinc Prices Consolidate at Highs, Weak Downstream Demand Dampens Spot Trading
[Shanghai Refined Zinc Market] This week, SHFE zinc futures prices consolidated at highs, with the overall center up notably WoW. In the off-season, overall orders at downstream enterprises remained poor, and amid persistent fear of high prices, overall zinc ingot purchasing interest during the week was weak. Overall spot trading during the week was sluggish; traders had difficulty selling, and spot premiums fell during the week.
Aug 14, 2026 18:12
Ningbo Zinc Market Sees Stable Supply and Steady Premiums Amid Moderate Demand
Aug 14, 2026 18:12
Ningbo Zinc Market Sees Stable Supply and Steady Premiums Amid Moderate Demand
Read More
Ningbo Zinc Market Sees Stable Supply and Steady Premiums Amid Moderate Demand
Ningbo Zinc Market Sees Stable Supply and Steady Premiums Amid Moderate Demand
[Ningbo Refined Zinc Market] This week, the Ningbo market had ample overall spot supply, traders' selling quotations were relatively stable, and overall spot premiums changed little. Demand side, orders at downstream alloy plants had yet to improve significantly, spot zinc ingot purchases were mainly based on rigid demand, and market transactions were moderate. Ningbo spot premiums are expected to continue consolidating next week.
Aug 14, 2026 18:12
China's Port Zinc Concentrate Inventories Drop by 36,000 mt WoW to 244,000 mt
Aug 14, 2026 18:12
China's Port Zinc Concentrate Inventories Drop by 36,000 mt WoW to 244,000 mt
Read More
China's Port Zinc Concentrate Inventories Drop by 36,000 mt WoW to 244,000 mt
China's Port Zinc Concentrate Inventories Drop by 36,000 mt WoW to 244,000 mt
[Port Zinc Concentrate Inventories] This week, SMM zinc concentrate inventories at main ports in China totaled 244,000 mt in physical content, down 36,000 mt WoW, with Fangchenggang Port inventories accounting for the main decline.
Aug 14, 2026 18:12
Global copper market ends in surplus during H1 2015 - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)