Copper Rod Operating Rate May Rebound as Lower Prices Boost Downstream Activity

Published: Sep 11, 2026 17:13
[SMM Copper Cathode Rod Flash] Due to weak new order continuity, SMM expects the operating rate of copper cathode rod enterprises to increase by 0.95 percentage points WoW next week. However, copper prices fell sharply in Thursday's night session, and the lower price center boosted downstream pricing activity, creating the possibility that next week's operating rate may rebound beyond expectations.

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
SMM Expects Copper Cathode Rod Operating Rate to Rise 1.36% WoW as New Orders Boost Production
1 min ago
SMM Expects Copper Cathode Rod Operating Rate to Rise 1.36% WoW as New Orders Boost Production
Read More
SMM Expects Copper Cathode Rod Operating Rate to Rise 1.36% WoW as New Orders Boost Production
SMM Expects Copper Cathode Rod Operating Rate to Rise 1.36% WoW as New Orders Boost Production
[SMM Copper Cathode Rod Flash] As new orders signed this week gradually enter the production schedule, SMM expects the operating rate of copper cathode rod enterprises to increase by 1.36 percentage points WoW this week.
1 min ago
Copper Cathode Rod Inventories Diverge: Raw Materials Down, Finished Products Up Amid High Prices
27 mins ago
Copper Cathode Rod Inventories Diverge: Raw Materials Down, Finished Products Up Amid High Prices
Read More
Copper Cathode Rod Inventories Diverge: Raw Materials Down, Finished Products Up Amid High Prices
Copper Cathode Rod Inventories Diverge: Raw Materials Down, Finished Products Up Amid High Prices
[SMM Copper Cathode Rod Flash] Copper cathode rod enterprises' inventories showed a divergent pattern. Amid high copper prices and high premiums, enterprises only restocked as needed, with raw material inventories down MoM; downstream cargo pick-up slowed down, with finished product inventories up MoM.
27 mins ago
Copper Cathode Rod Production Resumes, but Weak Demand and High Prices Dampen Outlook
29 mins ago
Copper Cathode Rod Production Resumes, but Weak Demand and High Prices Dampen Outlook
Read More
Copper Cathode Rod Production Resumes, but Weak Demand and High Prices Dampen Outlook
Copper Cathode Rod Production Resumes, but Weak Demand and High Prices Dampen Outlook
[SMM Copper Cathode Rod Flash] The operating rate rose this week mainly due to production resumptions at enterprises that had previously halted or cut production. However, end-use demand remained weak, new orders were scarce, and the surge in copper prices suppressed downstream procurement. With insufficient rigid demand from end-users such as wire & cable and enamelled wire, enterprises adopted a wait-and-see stance and operating rates continued to weaken. SMM expects the operating rate of copper cathode rod enterprises to increase by 2.37 percentage points WoW next week.
29 mins ago
[SMM Copper Cathode Rod Flash] Due to weak new order continuity, SMM e - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)