With mixed factors, SHFE copper is better supported than LME

Published: Oct 28, 2024 11:04
Source: SMM
Macro side, the US Fed's interest rate cuts and balance sheet reduction process are initially showing pressure on the monetary market.

Macro side, the US Fed's interest rate cuts and balance sheet reduction process are initially showing pressure on the monetary market. At the beginning of the week, there was a wave of sell-offs in US Treasuries, with the 10-year Treasury price plunging and the yield strongly rebounding to around 4.2%. The inversion of long and short-term yields has somewhat eased. The market is once again focusing on the US debt ceiling risk and the potential inflation rebound pressure after the US elections. With capital retreating, the US dollar index has returned above 104 points. In China, the National Development and Reform Commission stated that nearly half of the incremental policy measures have been introduced, and the remaining measures will also be accelerated. The focus of special bond issuance remains a key policy in Q4. As the GDP annual rate for the first three quarters recorded 4.8%, the market expects the policy stimulus in Q4 to further expand. Domestic liquidity and macro easing continue to improve. During the week, copper prices were pressured by the overseas market, with LME copper falling from around $9,750/mt to around $9,500/mt; SHFE copper fell from around 77,500 yuan/mt to around 76,000 yuan/mt.

Fundamentals side, due to consecutive accidents at the Daye Hongsheng smelter and the Manyar smelter, the tight supply of copper concentrates in Q4 has slightly eased. The TC transaction center has returned to the mid-$10s. For copper cathode, due to a significant increase in the arrival of imported copper recently, Yangshan copper premiums have plummeted. Although the SHFE/LME price ratio has not significantly deteriorated, transaction prices continue to decline. In domestic trade, domestic consumption remains weak, and traders' activity has also decreased during the week. After turning into a buyer's market, spot premiums continue to fall. Looking ahead to this week, the US October non-farm payrolls data and unemployment rate performance remain the market's focus. Entering November, the US elections and the US Fed's balance sheet reduction expectations will continue to pressure copper prices. Under the release of favorable macro conditions in China, the October PMI is expected to slightly rebound. With mixed factors, domestic market support is stronger than the overseas market. LME copper is expected to run in the range of $9,450-9,650/mt, and SHFE copper is expected to run in the range of 75,500-77,500 yuan/mt. In the spot market, with the circulation of cargoes with invoices dated next month, spot premiums will be further lowered, but increased trading activity after industry conferences is expected to provide some support. Spot prices against the SHFE copper 2411 contract are expected to range from a discount of 100 yuan/mt to parity.

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
ACG’s Gediktepe Sulphide Expansion Produces First Copper and Zinc Concentrates; Full Production Targeted by End-2026
13 hours ago
ACG’s Gediktepe Sulphide Expansion Produces First Copper and Zinc Concentrates; Full Production Targeted by End-2026
Read More
ACG’s Gediktepe Sulphide Expansion Produces First Copper and Zinc Concentrates; Full Production Targeted by End-2026
ACG’s Gediktepe Sulphide Expansion Produces First Copper and Zinc Concentrates; Full Production Targeted by End-2026
ACG Metals announced on September 1 that its Gediktepe mine in Türkiye produced its first copper concentrate on August 31, marking the start of the ramp-up phase. The company will progressively increase throughput and optimise plant performance, targeting full production by the end of 2026. Gediktepe’s steady-state annual production target is 20,000–25,000 tonnes of copper equivalent. The full announcement also confirmed that the mine produced its first zinc concentrate in August 2026, although the specific date and volumes were not disclosed. SMM estimates the mine’s zinc-in-concentrate production at approximately 10,000–15,000 tonnes of contained zinc in 2026.
13 hours ago
[ SMM Analysis ] A Visual Guide to the 2026 Semi-Annual Reports of 19 Copper Smelters
13 hours ago
[ SMM Analysis ] A Visual Guide to the 2026 Semi-Annual Reports of 19 Copper Smelters
Read More
[ SMM Analysis ] A Visual Guide to the 2026 Semi-Annual Reports of 19 Copper Smelters
[ SMM Analysis ] A Visual Guide to the 2026 Semi-Annual Reports of 19 Copper Smelters
13 hours ago
MMG Places US$64 Million Equipment Order to Support Khoemacau Expansion in Botswana
15 hours ago
MMG Places US$64 Million Equipment Order to Support Khoemacau Expansion in Botswana
Read More
MMG Places US$64 Million Equipment Order to Support Khoemacau Expansion in Botswana
MMG Places US$64 Million Equipment Order to Support Khoemacau Expansion in Botswana
Epiroc has secured an approximately SEK610 million (US$64 million) order from MMG Limited and its mining contractors, China Huaye and 23MCC, for underground mining equipment to support the expansion of the Khoemacau Copper Mine in Botswana. The order includes face drilling rigs, production drilling rigs, cable-bolting rigs, loaders and underground mine trucks, together with remote-control systems, spare parts, training and on-site technical support. The equipment will support MMG’s ongoing Khoemacau expansion, which is designed to increase annual production capacity from approximately 60,000 tonnes to 130,000 tonnes of copper metal in concentrate. The project includes construction of a new 4.5 Mt/y processing plant, which will lift total milling capacity to more than 8 Mt/y, alongside development of Zone 5 North, Mango and Zeta North-East. First copper concentrate from the expansion is expected in H1 2028. Epiroc said delivery of the new underground fleet will begin in Q4 2026 and is expected to be completed by Q2 2028, broadly aligning with the expansion schedule. The ordered fleet includes Boomer face drilling rigs, Simba production drilling rigs, Cabletec cable-bolting rigs, Scooptram loaders and Minetruck underground trucks, with several units equipped for automation and remote-control operation. The equipment order represents another execution milestone for the already-approved Khoemacau expansion, rather than a new production target. With procurement progressing and equipment deliveries scheduled through Q2 2028, the project continues to advance toward MMG’s planned increase in copper-in-concentrate capacity to 130,000 tonnes per year. The expansion represents a significant planned increase in Khoemacau’s copper production capacity in Botswana’s Kalahari Copper Belt.
15 hours ago