Copper Prices Center Shifted Upward, Downstream Buyers Mainly Made Just-in-Time Procurement [SMM North China Spot Copper]

Published: May 7, 2026 11:26
Today, #1 copper cathode spot prices in North China against the front-month contract were reported at an average discount of 200 yuan/mt to a discount of 100 yuan/mt, with the average discount of 150 yuan/mt unchanged from the previous trading day. The average transaction price was 102,630 yuan/mt, up 350 yuan/mt from the previous trading day.

SMM May 7 News:

Today, spot prices of #1 copper cathode in North China against the front-month contract averaged a discount of 200 yuan/mt to a discount of 100 yuan/mt, with the average discount of 150 yuan/mt unchanged from the previous trading day, and the average transaction price at 102,630 yuan/mt, up 350 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. As copper prices moved higher, downstream buyers mainly made just-in-time procurement, while some suppliers cleared inventory after the holiday, keeping spot premiums under pressure. Today, the procurement sentiment for copper cathode in North China was 1.95, down 0.03 from the previous trading day, and the shipments sentiment was 2.27, down 0.25 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
Related News
Yuguang Gold and Lead Group Reveals Mining Rights and Production Capacity of Ye Group's Mines
12 hours ago
Yuguang Gold and Lead Group Reveals Mining Rights and Production Capacity of Ye Group's Mines
Read More
Yuguang Gold and Lead Group Reveals Mining Rights and Production Capacity of Ye Group's Mines
Yuguang Gold and Lead Group Reveals Mining Rights and Production Capacity of Ye Group's Mines
[Lead Smelter Updates] It was reported that Yuguang Gold and Lead Group stated on an interactive platform that Ye Group holds the mining rights to the Shuikoushan lead-zinc mine and the Baifang copper mine, with 3 mines (the Kangjiawan mine and the lead-zinc mine both fall under the Shuikoushan lead-zinc mine mining rights) and 1 beneficiation plant, possessing an annual mining and beneficiation capacity of 860,000 mt of raw ore. Its captive mines can produce lead concentrates, copper concentrates, gold concentrates, and other mineral products, providing raw material support for the company.
12 hours ago
Robust Backlog Orders Sustain High Operating Rates for Copper Plate/Sheet and Strip Enterprises
13 hours ago
Robust Backlog Orders Sustain High Operating Rates for Copper Plate/Sheet and Strip Enterprises
Read More
Robust Backlog Orders Sustain High Operating Rates for Copper Plate/Sheet and Strip Enterprises
Robust Backlog Orders Sustain High Operating Rates for Copper Plate/Sheet and Strip Enterprises
According to SMM, copper prices surged this week, significantly suppressing new order intake in the copper plate/sheet and strip industry. However, thanks to ample backlog orders accumulated in the earlier period, industry production demonstrated strong resilience. Demand orders from core downstream sectors such as power, new energy, and electronics remained generally stable, supporting full production schedules for most enterprises. As a result, the industry's operating rate continued to fluctuate at highs.
13 hours ago
Copper Enamelled Wire Industry Operating Rate Rebound Falls Short of Expectations
13 hours ago
Copper Enamelled Wire Industry Operating Rate Rebound Falls Short of Expectations
Read More
Copper Enamelled Wire Industry Operating Rate Rebound Falls Short of Expectations
Copper Enamelled Wire Industry Operating Rate Rebound Falls Short of Expectations
The operating rate of the enamelled wire industry rebounded WoW this week, but the recovery was weaker than expectations. As holiday disruptions faded, machine operating rates rebounded WoW. However, surging copper prices suppressed downstream ordering, dragging on the overall recovery pace, with new orders rising only marginally.
13 hours ago
Register to Continue Reading
Gain access to the latest insights in metals and new energy
Already have an account?sign in here
Copper Prices Center Shifted Upward, Downstream Buyers Mainly Made Just-in-Time Procurement [SMM North China Spot Copper] - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)