China Copper Ore and Concentrate Imports Up Jan-Jul to Echo Recovery in Overseas Supply, SMM Says

The following table shows the ferrous and nonferrous metals movement on the SHFE and DCE on 14 Jul , 2026

[SMM Shanghai Spot Copper] Looking ahead to tomorrow, which is the last trading day of the SHFE copper 2607 contract, SMM will continue to quote against the front-month contract. The current open interest for the 2607 contract is around 4,500 lots. SHFE warrant data show that warrants stood at 47,158 mt on July 13, which is relatively ample and sufficient to cover delivery needs. Supply side, social inventory has been declining rapidly recently, mainly due to low arrivals of both domestic and imported cargoes, leaving the tightness in spot circulation unchanged. The backwardation price spread between contracts in adjacent months widened to 180-340 yuan/mt, and the front-month contract showed notable strength. Additionally, some suppliers have already attempted to quote for the 2608 contract today, with standard-quality copper at a premium of about 300 yuan/mt, reflecting that the market still holds optimistic expectations for premiums after the contract rollover. Overall, supported by the backwardation structure and driven by delivery-related dynamics, Shanghai spot copper prices against the 2607 contract are expected to remain at a premium tomorrow.