Inventory Hit New Lows Again but Spot Premiums Retreated after Rapid Rise with Overall Trading Lukewarm [SMM South China Spot Copper]

Published: Apr 27, 2026 11:48

SMM April 27 update:

Guangdong #1 copper cathode spot prices against the front-month contract today: high-quality copper was quoted at 280 yuan/mt, unchanged from the previous trading day; standard-quality copper was quoted at a premium of 200 yuan/mt, unchanged from the previous trading day; SX-EW copper was quoted at a premium of 140 yuan/mt, unchanged from the previous trading day. The average price of Guangdong #1 copper cathode was 103,085 yuan/mt, up 290 yuan/mt from the previous trading day, and the average price of SX-EW copper was 102,985 yuan/mt, up 290 yuan/mt from the previous trading day.

Spot market: After the weekend, Guangdong inventory declined again, mainly due to fewer arrivals and some manufacturers stockpiling ahead of the holiday. Influenced by this, suppliers actively held prices firm during the early session, with standard-quality copper once quoted at a premium of 250 yuan/mt. However, as some suppliers had liquidation needs, final quotes only held at last Friday's levels. Overall trading was moderate. Today, the copper cathode purchasing sentiment in Guangdong was 2.34, up 0.03 from the previous trading day, and the shipments sentiment was 3.81, up 0.02 from the previous trading day (historical data can be accessed via the database).

Overall, inventory hit a new low again, but spot premiums retreated after a rapid rise, and overall trading was moderate.

         

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 to learn 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
Review and Outlook of the Copper Market During the 2026 Labour Day Holiday
2 hours ago
Review and Outlook of the Copper Market During the 2026 Labour Day Holiday
Read More
Review and Outlook of the Copper Market During the 2026 Labour Day Holiday
Review and Outlook of the Copper Market During the 2026 Labour Day Holiday
During the 2026 Labour Day holiday (May 1–5), the Chinese SHFE market was closed, and LME copper exhibited a fluctuating trend of initial decline followed by recovery......
2 hours ago
Explosion at Kazzinc Metallurgical Site in Kazakhstan Leaves Two Dead and Five Injured
7 hours ago
Explosion at Kazzinc Metallurgical Site in Kazakhstan Leaves Two Dead and Five Injured
Read More
Explosion at Kazzinc Metallurgical Site in Kazakhstan Leaves Two Dead and Five Injured
Explosion at Kazzinc Metallurgical Site in Kazakhstan Leaves Two Dead and Five Injured
On May 5th, according to Reuters, an explosion occurred at Kazzinc’s site. Kazzinc said that it occurred during cleaning work on a smoke extraction system, followed by a fire and partial structural collapse. So far, emergency ministry said the fire had been extinguished. Kazzinc, owned by Glencore, has an annual production of roughly 250-300 kt of zinc, 100-150 kt of lead and around 87.5 kt of copper cathode. Kazzinc hasn't disclosed the specific impact. Based on currently available information, the incident mainly involved smoke extraction/dust-collection equipment, may cause temporary disruption to related operations. There is no evidence so far that the main zinc electrowinning line was damaged. Further updates needed on the scope of any cuts or suspensions and the repair timeline.
7 hours ago
Physical Copper Fund Debuts on NYSE, Opening Direct Investment Channel
14 hours ago
Physical Copper Fund Debuts on NYSE, Opening Direct Investment Channel
Read More
Physical Copper Fund Debuts on NYSE, Opening Direct Investment Channel
Physical Copper Fund Debuts on NYSE, Opening Direct Investment Channel
Sprott Asset Management launched the Sprott Physical Copper Trust on NYSE Arca (ticker: SCOP) on May 4, 2026, enabling investors to gain direct exposure to physical copper with enhanced liquidity and monthly redemption features.
14 hours ago
Register to Continue Reading
Gain access to the latest insights in metals and new energy
Already have an account?sign in here
Inventory Hit New Lows Again but Spot Premiums Retreated after Rapid Rise with Overall Trading Lukewarm [SMM South China Spot Copper] - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)