SHFE/LME price ratio continues to recover; upstream-downstream tug-of-war persists; physical trading sluggish [SMM Yangshan spot copper]

Published: Aug 19, 2026 12:02

Average warrant premiums on August 19 rose $2/mt from the previous trading day, reported at $87/mt (price range $79-95/mt); B/L average premiums rose $2/mt, reported at $82/mt (price range $77-87/mt); EQ copper (CIF B/L) average premiums remained flat, reported at $53/mt (price range $45-61/mt), with offers referencing August-early September arrivals.

Recently, the copper price center pulled back, and the import SHFE/LME price ratio continued to recover, but downstream recognition of premiums was limited, demand recovery was moderate, and buying and selling remained in a tug-of-war, resulting in sluggish actual transactions. It was heard today that an offer for EQ copper arriving in late August was at $60/mt, and an offer for EQ copper arriving in September was at $70/mt.

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.

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SHFE/LME price ratio continues to recover; upstream-downstream tug-of-war persists; physical trading sluggish [SMM Yangshan spot copper] - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)