LME Cash-3M Structure Turns to Backwardation, Market Sentiment Remains Cautious [SMM Yangshan Spot Copper]

Published: Feb 17, 2025 11:59 (GMT+8)

February 17, 2025: Today's warehouse warrant prices ranged from $52/mt to $66/mt, QP March, with an average price down by $2/mt compared to the previous trading day; B/L prices ranged from $50/mt to $68/mt, QP March, with an average price down by $2/mt compared to the previous trading day; EQ copper (CIF B/L) ranged from $1/mt to $15/mt, QP March, with an average price down by $1/mt compared to the previous trading day. The quotations referenced cargo arrivals in late February and early March.

During the day, the SHFE/LME price ratio for the SHFE copper 2503 contract was around -700 yuan/mt. LME copper 3M-Mar was at C$38.91/mt, and the February 2502 to March 2503 date spread was around Back $51/mt. After a brief shock last Friday evening, the near-month structure of LME copper shifted to BACK. Buyers and sellers showed caution during the day, with most adopting a wait-and-see approach, and market inquiries and offers were not active.

Currently, the actual transaction price for pyro high-quality copper warehouse warrants is $66/mt, mainstream pyro $59/mt, and wet-process $52/mt; high-quality copper B/L is $68/mt, mainstream pyro around $59/mt, and wet-process $50/mt; CIF B/L EQ copper ranges from $1/mt to $15/mt, with an average price of $8/mt.

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.

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