EAF steelmakers cut production on tighter scrap supply

This week, ferrous metals exhibited a pattern of initial weakness followed by strength. At the beginning of the week, after the U.S.-Iran peace talks failed to reach an agreement, the U.S. military announced it would impose a blockade on all maritime traffic in and out of Iranian ports, pushing international oil prices higher once again. Mid-week, disturbances from iron ore long-term contract negotiations intensified, with market rumors suggesting that restrictions on certain previously limited products had been partially lifted. Subsequently, news emerged of an unexpected shutdown at an Australian refinery, raising market concerns that a diesel supply deficit could trigger mine shutdowns, which in turn would lead to short-term supply tightening. Coupled with rising expectations of a second round of coke price increases, ferrous metals successfully rallied in the latter half of the week...

[Secondary Lead Market Update] It was reported that recently, the Hefei Branch of Bank of Jiujiang, in response to the characteristics of the secondary lead industry — "capital-intensive raw material procurement and urgent production turnover needs" — assembled a professional team and customized a comprehensive financial service plan, ultimately approving a credit line of 280 million yuan for Anhui Lukong Environmental Protection Co., Ltd.

Despite rebounding copper prices, Asian spot scrap supply remains tight, with pricing coefficients unexpectedly firm (Bare Bright holding around 98.5%). Concurrently, Western spot offers are shrinking. As the Aurubis Richmond smelter absorbs ~180,000 tonnes annually and US domestic cable shredding capacity rapidly expands, both the volume and quality of US scrap exports to Asia are declining. This structural shift is slashing transoceanic trade, accelerating the era of "regional circulation" for recycled copper. Currently, the squeeze primarily hits intermediate traders with sluggish volumes, while downstream end-consumers report limited immediate impact.