Some China Copper Rod Plants to See Orders Increase after Closure at One South China-based Plant, SMM Survey

The DRC’s mining sector is highly dependent on diesel for power, mining, and cross-border transport, and diesel prices have risen sharply in recent weeks. Prices in Lubumbashi, Likasi, and Kolwezi have reached US$3.1/litre, pushing up transport and operating costs significantly. According to SMM, DRC spot FCA prices remain at around -US$410 to -US$420/tonne. However, soaring sulphuric acid and diesel costs have sharply increased SX-EW production costs, strengthening producers’ resistance to lower prices. Q2 term freight negotiations are now underway, with southbound freight rates up by about US$20/tonne.

[Latest Data from the General Administration of Customs] China's imports of copper-zinc alloy (brass) billet and rod in March 2026 were 2,796.93 mt in physical content, up 3.37% YoY and up 107.97% MoM. Cumulative imports from January to March 2026 were 6,191.8 mt in physical content, down 4.38% YoY (HS code 74072111, 74072119, 74072190).

According to customs data, the export product mix of copper plate/sheet and strip showed notable divergence in March. Copper strip (YoY +14.3%, accounting for 69%) served as the core growth engine, while brass strip (YoY -16.5%, accounting for 14%) remained weak, with the "copper up, brass down" pattern unchanged. Cupronickel strip and other categories saw significant YoY export growth, effectively offsetting the decline and driving overall positive YoY export growth for the industry.