SMM Evening Comments (Jun 3): Shanghai nonferrous metals declined for the most part, nickel advanced 0.07%

Published: Jun 03, 2021 18:00 (GMT+8)
SHFE nonferrous metals broadly fell on Thursday June 3 as investors reacted to data releases in China.

SHANGHAI, Jun 3 (SMM) – SHFE nonferrous metals broadly fell on Thursday June 3 as investors reacted to data releases in China.

Shanghai nonferrous metals, except for nickel, traded lower on Thursday June 3. Aluminium shed 1.37% to lead the losses, copper decreased 1.28%, lead declined 0.71%, zinc went down 0.61% and tin fell 0.75%, while nickel advanced 0.07%.

The ferrous complex also rose across the board. Iron ore increased 1.88%, rebar rose 1.72%, and hot-rolled coil climbed 2.06%.

Copper: The most-traded SHFE 2107 copper contract finished the day 1.28% lower at 73,020 yuan/mt. Open interest fell 4,259 lots to 138,000 lots.

According to the Beige Book survey of the Federal Reserve, the pace of economic recovery in the US moderately accelerated in April and May, and the overall price pressure further increased. It is planned to gradually reduce the corporate credit tools for the COVID-19. European Commission said that Fiscal policy need to be supportive in 2021 and 2022, and countries should avoid launching support too early. China's PPI and CPI scissors may give the central bank a longer window phase to avoid using monetary policy tools.

The number of US jobless claims as of May 29 and whether copper prices could keep the support of the 10-day moving average under the support of employment data will continue to be monitored tonight.

Aluminium: The most-liquid SHFE 2107 aluminium contract finished the day 1.37% lower at 18,425 yuan/mt. Open interest fell 632 lots to 205,880 lots. SMM data showed that aluminium billet stocks across the five major consumption areas — Foshan, Wuxi, Huzhou, Changzhou and Nanchang — in China increased 1.2% or 1,100 mt from a week ago to 89,400 mt as of Thursday June 3.

Zinc: The most-active SHFE 2107 zinc contract closed down 0.61% at 22,890 yuan/mt. Open interest fell 6,044 lots to 107,585 lots.

Nickel: The most-traded SHFE 2107 nickel contract ended the day 0.07% higher at 133,140 yuan/mt today. Open interest rose 13,840 lots to 138,995 lots.

Lead: The most-traded SHFE 2107 lead contract ended the day 0.71% lower at 15,305 yuan/mt. Open interest rose 1,812 lots to 63,383 lots. After the continuous decline of SHFE lead this week, the enthusiasm of downstream enterprises for purchasing at low prices improved slightly, while the overall consumption situation did not improve significantly. The price difference between the contract and the spot was still too large, and the carrier maintained a high intention to deliver the position. It is expected that the lead ingot will still run under the pressure of increasing stocks this week, and the support from 15,300 yuan/mt should be monitored tonight.

Tin: The most-liquid SHFE 2107 tin contract fell to a session low of 204,400 yuan/mt and finished the day 1.14% lower at 204,920 yuan/mt today. Open interest fell 589 lots to 31,567 lots. The previously announced US ISM manufacturing PMI in May was better than expected to help the US dollar rebound from the low level. The market focuses on the US nonfarm employment data, and continues to pay attention to the domestic and overseas market trends and the impact of macroeconomic policy dynamics on the futures price trend. The tight supply in domestic still supported tin prices. Pressure above will be seen from 210,000 yuan/mt today. Support below will be seen from 197,000 yuan/mt today.

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
Peru sees 1 million t/y copper output boost within five to six years
Sep 26, 2026 01:38 (GMT+8)
Peru sees 1 million t/y copper output boost within five to six years
Read More
Peru sees 1 million t/y copper output boost within five to six years
Peru sees 1 million t/y copper output boost within five to six years
Peru's Energy and Mines Minister Guillermo Shinno said the country expects to add about 1 million tonnes of annual copper production within five to six years through new mining projects. The world's third-largest copper producer anticipates 2026 output of 2.5 to 2.7 million tonnes, roughly unchanged from 2023 as declining ore grades and recurring social conflicts weigh on supply. The newly elected government is seeking to reverse that stagnation by cutting red tape; in the two months since taking office, mining companies have stepped up engagement with the ministry. Shinno said officials have identified 27 permits that could be eliminated from roughly 100 mining-sector requirements, without lowering environmenta
Sep 26, 2026 01:38 (GMT+8)
India copper producers seek GST cut as record prices raise working-capital burden
Sep 25, 2026 20:26 (GMT+8)
India copper producers seek GST cut as record prices raise working-capital burden
Read More
India copper producers seek GST cut as record prices raise working-capital burden
India copper producers seek GST cut as record prices raise working-capital burden
Indian copper producers are seeking a GST cut to 5% from 18%, citing rising working-capital requirements amid record-high copper prices.
Sep 25, 2026 20:26 (GMT+8)
Sulphuric Acid Shortage Emerges as a Constraint on Zambia’s Copper Growth
Sep 25, 2026 16:43 (GMT+8)
Sulphuric Acid Shortage Emerges as a Constraint on Zambia’s Copper Growth
Read More
Sulphuric Acid Shortage Emerges as a Constraint on Zambia’s Copper Growth
Sulphuric Acid Shortage Emerges as a Constraint on Zambia’s Copper Growth
Zambia’s sulphuric acid shortage is becoming a growing constraint on copper production and refining. Jubilee Metals reported acid costs rising by more than 200% in Q4 FY2026, while Sable cathode output fell to 250 t from 361 t in Q3. Government data also showed small-scale copper production down 35.2% YoY in H1 2026, highlighting the sector’s exposure to tight acid availability and higher processing costs.
Sep 25, 2026 16:43 (GMT+8)