Copper Wire and Cable Industry Sees Decline in Operating Rates Amid High Copper Prices

[SMM Copper Inventory Flash] As of September 3, SMM social inventory of copper cathode across major regions in China fell 20,600 mt WoW from last Monday to 88,900 mt, down 51,700 mt YoY, with regional performance diverging. In Shanghai, arrivals of imported and domestic cargoes were limited. Coupled with a pullback in copper prices and lower premiums, downstream purchases recovered, leading to significant inventory drawdowns. In Jiangsu, inventory built up due to arrivals from smelters. In Guangdong, as some smelters shifted shipments to exports and others were affected by production cuts, volumes sent to Guangdong continued to decline, pushing inventory to a new low for the year.

[SMM Analysis: High Refined Copper Spot Premiums Create Pricing Room: Why Are Some Scrap Traders Raising Their Bids?] Millberry bids range from 98.5% to near par, reflecting different buyers and trade models. High copper spot premiums in China and LME backwardation allow some traders to sell inventory high and replenish against a lower 3M benchmark. However, costs and basis risks limit this strategy. Direct consumers may bid higher for supply security, quality and recycled-content needs.