Ample Supply amid the Semi-Annual Report Period, Downstream Caution Flattens Spot Discounts [SMM North China Spot Copper]

Published: Jun 29, 2026 11:20
Today, spot #1 copper cathode in North China against the front-month contract was quoted at an average discount of 170 yuan/mt to 110 yuan/mt, with the average discount at 140 yuan/mt, unchanged from the previous trading day. The transaction prices averaged 102,310 yuan/mt, an increase of 875 yuan/mt from the previous trading day.

SMM, June 29:

Today, in North China, the spot #1 copper cathode against the front-month contract was reported at an average discount of 170-110 yuan/mt, with the average discount at 140 yuan/mt, unchanged from the previous trading day. The average transaction price was 102,310 yuan/mt, up 875 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. Intraday futures price fluctuations were relatively small, and downstream purchase willingness was weak. At the semi-annual report period, suppliers had shipment needs, while end-user purchasing enthusiasm was insufficient. The market largely held a wait-and-see sentiment, and spot discounts remained stable. Today, the North China copper cathode purchase sentiment index was 2.47, down 0.04 from the previous trading day, and the shipment sentiment index was 2.51, up 0.09 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 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
Month-End Sell-Off Ends, Inventory Drawdown Supports Narrowing of SHFE Copper Spot Discounts [SMM SHFE Copper Spot]
3 mins ago
Month-End Sell-Off Ends, Inventory Drawdown Supports Narrowing of SHFE Copper Spot Discounts [SMM SHFE Copper Spot]
Read More
Month-End Sell-Off Ends, Inventory Drawdown Supports Narrowing of SHFE Copper Spot Discounts [SMM SHFE Copper Spot]
Month-End Sell-Off Ends, Inventory Drawdown Supports Narrowing of SHFE Copper Spot Discounts [SMM SHFE Copper Spot]
[SMM Shanghai Spot Copper] Tomorrow, on the inventory front, SMM data shows that Shanghai social inventory stood at 134,200 mt, down 4,100 mt WoW from last Thursday; Jiangsu inventory stood at 41,200 mt, down 900 mt WoW. Although some imported cargo arrived at ports, overall warehouse withdrawals last week were good, and inventory continued a slight destocking trend, providing some support for spot discounts. Supplier side, the month-end selling pressure has been largely released, and market shipments have returned to normal pace. Supplier quotations were relatively stable during the day, showing no signs of significant downward adjustments. Moreover, some suppliers are bullish on the premiums outlook, and their willingness to hold prices firm has strengthened. From the invoice structure, cargoes with invoices dated this month remain relatively tight, with a certain price spread maintained between current-month and next-month invoices. Overall, with the end of month-end selling, inventory destocking, and suppliers' firm price stance, the overall discount center of Shanghai spot copper against the 2607 contract is expected to edge up further tomorrow.
3 mins ago
[SMM Analysis] Section 232 Copper Investigation: What June 30 Could Mean for Global Copper Markets
19 mins ago
[SMM Analysis] Section 232 Copper Investigation: What June 30 Could Mean for Global Copper Markets
Read More
[SMM Analysis] Section 232 Copper Investigation: What June 30 Could Mean for Global Copper Markets
[SMM Analysis] Section 232 Copper Investigation: What June 30 Could Mean for Global Copper Markets
SMM Analysis | June 30 marks a critical milestone in the U.S. Section 232 copper investigation. Will refined copper tariffs proceed as expected? Whether the outcome is a broad tariff, targeted measures, or a delay and exemption, the decision could reshape the COMEX–LME arbitrage, U.S. physical premiums, global copper trade flows, and regional supply dynamics.
19 mins ago
Resource Upgrade at Botswana’s Selkirk Copper-Nickel Mine
27 mins ago
Resource Upgrade at Botswana’s Selkirk Copper-Nickel Mine
Read More
Resource Upgrade at Botswana’s Selkirk Copper-Nickel Mine
Resource Upgrade at Botswana’s Selkirk Copper-Nickel Mine
27 mins ago
Register to Continue Reading
Gain access to the latest insights in metals and new energy
Already have an account?Sign in here