China's May Copper Cathode Exports Drop 22.45% MoM, But Year-to-Date Growth Stays Positive

[Copper Foil Customs Data] According to data from the General Administration of Customs, in May 2026, China's copper foil import value was $159.1572 million, up 19.07% YoY and down 3.71% MoM; from January to May 2026, China's cumulative copper foil import value was $772.4931 million, up 32.03% YoY. In May 2026, China's copper foil export value was $113.2580 million, up 93.40% YoY and down 4.46% MoM; from January to May 2026, China's cumulative copper foil export value was $512.2296 million, up 114.78% YoY. In May 2026, China's copper foil trade deficit was approximately $45.9 million, down by approximately $0.83 million MoM from $46.73 million in April 2026.

[Copper Foil Customs Data] According to data from the General Administration of Customs, China’s imports of copper foil (HS codes: 74101100, 74102190) in May 2026 were 7,135.43 mt, down 6.90% YoY and down 7.20% MoM. January-May 2026 cumulative imports of copper foil reached 36,620.91 mt, up 7.63% YoY. China’s exports of copper foil in May 2026 were 7,013.31 mt, up 56.29% YoY but down 4.71% MoM. January-May 2026 cumulative exports reached 31,993.17 mt, up 71.79% YoY.

[Copper Anode Customs Data], according to data from the General Administration of Customs, in May 2026, were: Ordinary Trade (33,200 mt), processing trade with imported materials (28,200 mt), Entry and Exit Goods in Bonded Control Areas (4,200 mt), and Entrepot Trade by Customs Special Control Area (2,900 mt).