China Copper Output Advances in June, SMM Reports

Published: Jul 10, 2017 11:37
China’s copper cathode production increased 1.08% on a yearly basis to 654,000 tonnes in June 2017, SMM data showed.

SHANGHAI, Jul. 10 (SMM) - China’s copper cathode production increased 1.08% on a yearly basis to 654,000 tonnes in June 2017, SMM data showed.

Total copper cathode output in the first half of 2017 was 3.833 million tonnes, a rise of 0.67% on a yearly basis.

But June’s output fell short of expectations. More-than-expected output was affected at Daye Nonferrous Metals Group by maintenance cycle. Meanwhile, some copper smelters’ output declined due to decreased blister copper supply.

Blister copper output produced with copper scrap decreased, affected by environmental protection and narrower price spread between copper cathode and copper scrap, SMM understands. Besides, demand for blister copper increased after maintenance at a large number of copper smelters in the first half of the year. That’s why blister copper was tight in the second quarter of the year. Processing fees of blister copper are now 1,400-1,600 yuan per tonne (price to factory).

China Zinc Output Skyrockets in June, SMM Reports

China’s copper cathode output will fall 2.41% year-on-year to 648,000 tonnes in July, SMM predicts. Some smelters, including Zijin Copper, Jinchuan Group, Yunnan Copper Chifeng Non-ferrous Metals and Zhongtiaoshan Non-ferrous Metals Group conducted maintenance in July, and will affect copper production, SMM explains.

China Base Metal Output Data in June 2017, SMM Exclusive Data 

Total copper cathode output in the first seven months of the year will be 4.481 million tonnes, up 0.21% year-on-year.

For news cooperation, please contact us by email: sallyzhang@smm.cn or service.en@smm.cn. 

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
Policy Shocks and High Copper Prices Disrupt Secondary Copper Rod Market in H1 2026
10 hours ago
Policy Shocks and High Copper Prices Disrupt Secondary Copper Rod Market in H1 2026
Read More
Policy Shocks and High Copper Prices Disrupt Secondary Copper Rod Market in H1 2026
Policy Shocks and High Copper Prices Disrupt Secondary Copper Rod Market in H1 2026
In H1 2026, the secondary copper rod market completely broke away from the traditional "copper price–supply and demand" pricing framework. It was primarily hit by the twin policy shocks of "reverse invoicing" moving from transitional review to full implementation and the clearance of local non-compliant fiscal and tax incentives and subsidies (Document No. 770)
10 hours ago
SMM Forecasts July 2026 Copper Foil Operating Rate and Shipments Both to Rise
Jul 10, 2026 22:15
SMM Forecasts July 2026 Copper Foil Operating Rate and Shipments Both to Rise
Read More
SMM Forecasts July 2026 Copper Foil Operating Rate and Shipments Both to Rise
SMM Forecasts July 2026 Copper Foil Operating Rate and Shipments Both to Rise
[SMM Copper Foil July Market Forecast] SMM expects the overall operating rate of copper foil enterprises in July 2026 to be 92.15%, up 0.67 percentage points MoM and 14.87 percentage points YoY. Overall shipments in July are expected to increase by 0.79% MoM. The operating rate for lithium battery copper foil is expected to be 91.1%, and for electronic circuit copper foil, 94.24%.
Jul 10, 2026 22:15
DRC's KCC Sealed and Production Halted by Tax Authorities!
Jul 10, 2026 20:03
DRC's KCC Sealed and Production Halted by Tax Authorities!
Read More
DRC's KCC Sealed and Production Halted by Tax Authorities!
DRC's KCC Sealed and Production Halted by Tax Authorities!
According to local media in the DRC on July 10, the country’s General Directorate of Taxes (DGI) sealed off some offices and facilities of Kamoto Copper Company (KCC) in Kolwezi, Lualaba Province, on July 9. The DGI stated that KCC is involved in a tax arrears situation of nearly $3 billion. The sealing action led to the evacuation of some personnel, and copper and cobalt production at the affected sites was temporarily suspended. The exact scope of the sealing, its duration, and the actual impact on the mine and smelting systems remain to be further confirmed. As SMM has learned, KCC’s copper cathode production over the past two years has been around 190,000 mt each year. If the sealing measures persist and materially affect production or product deliveries, it is expected to cause periodic disruptions to copper and cobalt supply from the DRC. Going forward, close attention should be paid to the resumption of KCC’s operations and the progress of the tax dispute resolution.
Jul 10, 2026 20:03
China Copper Output Advances in June, SMM Reports - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)