Copper prices edged slightly lower, while the Shanghai spot copper market showed signs of recovery. [SMM Shanghai Spot Copper]

Published: Jan 9, 2026 12:09
[SMM Shanghai Spot Copper] Next week, Shanghai is expected to remain in a state of continuous inventory buildup. The persistent discount has led suppliers to convert most of their spot cargo into warrants for futures delivery. As the delivery date approaches next week, the discount is anticipated to narrow further.

SMM January 9 News:

Today, SMM's #1 copper cathode spot prices against the current month 2601 contract were quoted at a discount of 140 yuan/mt to a premium of 50 yuan/mt, with the average price at a discount of 45 yuan/mt, up 20 yuan/mt from the previous trading day; SMM's #1 copper cathode prices were 99,460–101,090 yuan/mt. In the morning session, the SHFE copper 2601 contract showed a trend of dipping and rebounding, accompanied by fluctuations at highs. It opened at 100,000 yuan/mt and continued to decline, twice dipping below 99,100 yuan/mt, then continuously climbed to 101,200 yuan/mt, dropped back slightly, and fluctuated around 100,700 yuan/mt before closing at 100,730 yuan/mt. The contango spread between nearby contracts ranged from 70 yuan/mt to 200 yuan/mt, while the import loss for the current month's SHFE copper contract was between 770–900 yuan/mt.

In the morning session, suppliers quoted standard-quality copper at a discount of 120 yuan/mt to 10 yuan/mt, while high-quality copper Jinchuan (plate) maintained a premium of 50 yuan/mt. Xiangguang, Lufang, JCC, etc., traded quickly, while Zhongtiaoshan, Jinguan, Jinfeng, etc., traded between a discount of 140 yuan/mt and 90 yuan/mt. Entering the second session, market availability of Xiangguang, Lufang, JCC, etc., was limited, while quotations for Zhongtiaoshan, etc., remained almost unchanged, with relatively weak consumption.

Looking ahead to next week, the Shanghai area is still in a continuous inventory buildup trend. The persistent discount situation has led suppliers to convert most of their supplies into futures delivery warrants. As the delivery date approaches next week, the discount is expected to narrow further.

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
Related News
"Premier Li Qiang Leads State Council Meeting on Enhancing Effective Investment, Boosting Economic Growth"
Feb 6, 2026 23:56
"Premier Li Qiang Leads State Council Meeting on Enhancing Effective Investment, Boosting Economic Growth"
Read More
"Premier Li Qiang Leads State Council Meeting on Enhancing Effective Investment, Boosting Economic Growth"
"Premier Li Qiang Leads State Council Meeting on Enhancing Effective Investment, Boosting Economic Growth"
Premier Li Qiang presided over an executive meeting of the State Council to study policy measures for promoting effective investment. The meeting noted that promoting effective investment plays an important role in stabilizing economic growth and strengthening momentum for development. It is necessary to innovate and improve policy measures, and intensify efforts to enhance the efficiency of utilizing funds such as central budget investments, ultra-long-term special treasury bonds, local government special bonds, and new-type policy-based financial instruments. In conjunction with formulating and implementing the 15th Five-Year Plan
Feb 6, 2026 23:56
"Guided by Xi Jinping Thought, Implement 20th CPC Congress Spirit, Apply New Development Philosophy...
Feb 6, 2026 23:54
"Guided by Xi Jinping Thought, Implement 20th CPC Congress Spirit, Apply New Development Philosophy...
Read More
"Guided by Xi Jinping Thought, Implement 20th CPC Congress Spirit, Apply New Development Philosophy...
"Guided by Xi Jinping Thought, Implement 20th CPC Congress Spirit, Apply New Development Philosophy...
Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, we will thoroughly implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the plenary sessions of the Party’s 20th Central Committee, fully and faithfully apply the new development philosophy, strengthen top-level design, build computing power interconnection nodes oriented toward national hub periods, major strategic regions, and key industries, establish a system of computing power interconnection nodes, improve the efficiency and service level of public computing power resources, and promote high-quality development of computing power.
Feb 6, 2026 23:54
Indirect Iran-US Nuclear Talks in Muscat Show Progress, Omani FM Mediates Tense but Efficient Discussions
Feb 6, 2026 23:47
Indirect Iran-US Nuclear Talks in Muscat Show Progress, Omani FM Mediates Tense but Efficient Discussions
Read More
Indirect Iran-US Nuclear Talks in Muscat Show Progress, Omani FM Mediates Tense but Efficient Discussions
Indirect Iran-US Nuclear Talks in Muscat Show Progress, Omani FM Mediates Tense but Efficient Discussions
After intensive indirect consultations, the new round of nuclear talks between Iran and the US in Muscat, the capital of Oman, has achieved phased progress. It is reported that during this round of talks, the Iranian and US delegations did not meet directly. Instead, Omani Foreign Minister Badr acted as an intermediary, conveying a series of core proposals, strategic concerns, and policy positions to the other side. The atmosphere at the talks was tense yet efficient. According to preliminary on-site assessments, although both sides continue to negotiate over specific terms, they have reached a consensus on the key objective of "continuing dialogue."
Feb 6, 2026 23:47
Copper prices edged slightly lower, while the Shanghai spot copper market showed signs of recovery. [SMM Shanghai Spot Copper] - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)