Downstream Buyers Wait and See Amid Copper Price Fluctuations, While Consumer Demand Slows Down [SMM North China Spot Copper]

Published: Apr 2, 2026 11:23
In North China today, spot prices for #1 copper cathode against the front-month contract were reported at an average discount of 100 yuan/mt, down 10 yuan/mt from the previous trading day, while the average transaction price was 95,910 yuan/mt, down 915 yuan/mt from the previous trading day.

SMM News on April 2:

Today, spot #1 copper cathode in North China was quoted at an average discount of 100 yuan/mt against the front-month contract, down 10 yuan/mt from the previous trading day, while the average transaction price was 95,910 yuan/mt, down 915 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. As copper prices fluctuated, downstream players remained on the sidelines. Consumption in the northern market slowed somewhat from earlier levels, spot premiums showed a weakening trend during the week, and trading activity declined. Today, the purchasing sentiment for copper cathode in North China was 1.81, down 0.21 from the previous trading day, while shipment sentiment was 2.08, down 0.03 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.

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