Operating Rates of Copper Billet Producers Continued to Pull Back This Week

Published: Jun 18, 2026 13:20
This week (6.12-6.18), the operating rate of China's brass billet industry stood at 52.17%, down 0.42 percentage points WoW. Copper prices continued to rise this week, coupled with the arrival of the traditional off-season for demand, end-user purchase willingness for home appliances, sanitary ware, and hardware was sluggish. Enterprises received fewer new orders and still relied on pre-existing orders to support production, leading to a slight weakening in operating rates.

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 for 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
Suppliers Both Hold Prices Firm and Make Adjustments, Shanghai Spot Copper Premiums Under Sustained Pressure
24 mins ago
Suppliers Both Hold Prices Firm and Make Adjustments, Shanghai Spot Copper Premiums Under Sustained Pressure
Read More
Suppliers Both Hold Prices Firm and Make Adjustments, Shanghai Spot Copper Premiums Under Sustained Pressure
Suppliers Both Hold Prices Firm and Make Adjustments, Shanghai Spot Copper Premiums Under Sustained Pressure
Looking ahead to next week, intraday copper prices edged down slightly, and alongside pre-stocking for the Dragon Boat Festival, downstream dip-buying sentiment recovered somewhat, with purchase and sales sentiment each up 0.04 WoW, while transactions for low-priced sources were moderate. However, suppliers’ morning quotes were firm, with standard-quality copper at parity to a premium of 30 yuan/mt, then continuously lowered to near parity. In the second session, some brands were quoted at a discount of 20 yuan/mt, reflecting that amid the current copper price decline, suppliers' willingness to sell increased, while downstream willingness to chase higher prices was insufficient, leaving overall transactions muted. Overall, constrained by high copper prices, Shanghai spot copper premiums against the 2607 contract are expected to hold at current levels next week, or edge up slightly.
24 mins ago
Suppliers hold prices firm while also adjusting prices, as Shanghai spot copper premiums remain under sustained pressure [SMM Shanghai Spot Copper].
26 mins ago
Suppliers hold prices firm while also adjusting prices, as Shanghai spot copper premiums remain under sustained pressure [SMM Shanghai Spot Copper].
Read More
Suppliers hold prices firm while also adjusting prices, as Shanghai spot copper premiums remain under sustained pressure [SMM Shanghai Spot Copper].
Suppliers hold prices firm while also adjusting prices, as Shanghai spot copper premiums remain under sustained pressure [SMM Shanghai Spot Copper].
[SMM Shanghai spot copper] Next week, with intraday copper prices edging down and combined with pre-holiday restocking ahead of the Dragon Boat Festival, downstream dip-buying sentiment recovered somewhat. Purchase and sales sentiment rose 0.04 WoW respectively, with moderate transactions for low-priced cargoes. However, suppliers' early-session offers were firm, with standard-quality copper quoted from parity to a premium of 30 yuan/mt, subsequently adjusted down to near parity. In the second session, some brands were already quoted at a discount of 20 yuan/mt, reflecting that amid the current copper price decline, suppliers' willingness to sell increased, while downstream buyers' willingness to chase higher prices was insufficient. Overall trading was thin. On balance, pressured by high copper prices, Shanghai spot copper premiums against the SHFE 2607 contract are expected to remain at current levels next week or edge up slightly.
26 mins ago
Spot Copper Cathode Premiums in North China Under Pressure
26 mins ago
Spot Copper Cathode Premiums in North China Under Pressure
Read More
Spot Copper Cathode Premiums in North China Under Pressure
Spot Copper Cathode Premiums in North China Under Pressure
[North China Copper Cathode Spot Market] On the last trading day before the holiday, suppliers sold at lower prices to facilitate shipments, concerned about inventory buildup after the holiday, which weakened spot copper cathode premiums in North China. As the mid-year period approaches, the pressure to sell is expected to emerge, putting spot premiums under pressure after the holiday.
26 mins ago
This week (6.12-6.18), the operating rate of China's brass billet indu - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)