Copper prices weakened downstream with fear of high prices, market activity cooled [SMM North China spot copper]

Published: Nov 21, 2025 11:17
In North China today, spot #1 copper cathode prices against the front-month contract were at a discount of 180-140 yuan/mt, averaging a discount of 160 yuan/mt, unchanged from the previous trading day. Transaction prices ranged from 85,450 to 85,680 yuan/mt, with the average price at 85,565 yuan/mt, down 630 yuan/mt from the previous trading day.

SMM November 21:

Today in North China, spot #1 copper cathode prices against the front-month contract were at a discount of 180-140 yuan/mt, with an average discount of 160 yuan/mt, unchanged from the previous trading day. Transaction prices ranged from 85,450-85,680 yuan/mt, with an average of 85,565 yuan/mt, down 630 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. Market transactions recovered this week as supply resumed after maintenance at upstream smelters ended. However, the weakening futures today increased downstream fear of high prices to some extent, reducing market activity. In North China today, the procurement sentiment for copper cathode was 2.01, down 0.14 from the previous trading day, while the sales sentiment was 2.41, down 0.04 from the previous trading day ().

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 to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Copper prices weakened downstream with fear of high prices, market activity cooled [SMM North China spot copper] - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)