August 2024 Copper Foil Imports Rebounded and Exports Remained High [SMM Analysis]

According to data from the General Administration of Customs, in August 2024, China's copper foil import volume was approximately 7,738.15 mt, up 7.26% YoY and up 5.88% MoM. From January to August 2024, the cumulative import volume was about 61,616.34 mt, up 2.83% YoY.

In August 2024, China's copper foil import value was $138.0079 million, up 17.29% YoY and up 2.87% MoM. From January to August 2024, the cumulative import value was $1.0548 billion, up 11.74% YoY.

In August 2024, China's copper foil export volume was approximately 4,616.36 mt, up 27.77% YoY and down 1.73% MoM. From January to August 2024, the cumulative export volume was about 33,551.63 mt, up 5.42% YoY.

In August 2024, China's copper foil export value was $57.7994 million, up 38.14% YoY and down 4.71% MoM. From January to August 2024, the cumulative export value was $409.1491 million, up 8.79% YoY.

In August 2024, China's copper foil import volume increased MoM while export volume declined, resulting in a trade deficit of approximately $80.21 million, up about $6.7 million MoM from $73.51 million in the previous month.

By country, in August 2024, the main import sources for copper foil (excluding copper alloy foil) were China Taiwan, Malaysia, and Luxembourg, with import volumes of 4,570.28 mt, 600.04 mt, and 595.83 mt, respectively.

In August 2024, the main export destinations for China's copper foil (excluding copper alloy foil) were Thailand, South Korea, and Indonesia, with export volumes of 1,077.82 mt, 505.26 mt, and 371.07 mt, respectively.

In August, copper foil import volume rebounded, but domestic demand remained generally weak, with end-user sectors experiencing seasonal downturns, except for some support from high-end server-related orders. In terms of exports, H2 overseas demand grew steadily, and export orders remained stable. Although export volume declined in August, it remained at a high level.

In September, the domestic downstream market began to shift to the peak season, but actual demand recovery was slow, and the increase in copper foil import volume is expected to be limited. Meanwhile, overseas markets will gradually start pre-holiday stocking, with orders expected to continue growing, keeping export volumes high.